Greetings, fellow yoga enthusiasts! Allow me to provide you with an enchanting tour through the world of Yoga Divas, a festival that unites people of different ages, genders, and origins through yoga. Take your mats, and let's go on this journey of discovery.
International Yoga Day 2024, fondly referred to as Yoga Divas, is observed on June 21, the summer solstice with the most extended period of sunlight. This auspicious occasion originates in ancient Indian culture, where yoga is considered a science of life and the techniques of maintaining good health.
The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, initiated World Yoga Day while delivering his powerful speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014. He said, "Yoga is an invaluable gift from India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being." His vision struck a chord with many nations, and on December 11, 2014, the United Nations officially proclaimed June 21 as the first International Yoga Day.
Yoga asanas and pranayama offer immense benefits, but Yoga Divas have a more profound significance and goal beyond the mat. It is the process of realising oneness, evolving to a higher state of consciousness, and awakening.
Yoga as the great yoga master B. K. S. Iyengar said, "Yoga is a light that, once lit, can never be put out. The better the candle, the brighter the flame." This spirit is evident in Yoga Divas celebrations, and it is a lifelong journey of transformation.
Yoga has many health benefits, and its advantages are immeasurable. It should be performed daily. The advantages include muscle flexibility, strength, and mental health.
To illustrate this, let us take the example of the Surya Namaskar or the Sun Salutation sequence. This exercise helps increase the flexibility, strength, and aerobic capacity of the various muscles in the body. Some poses that may help improve the balance and stability of the abdominal muscles include Warrior Pose or Tree Pose.
Yoga is also a method of reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Savasana (Corpse Pose) and Pranayama (breathing exercises) are helpful for relaxation and making us more conscious of what is happening around us.
Yoga Divas is celebrated globally on June 21, and people mark the day in various ways. In India, mass events are conducted, and thousands of people come together to perform yoga.
In the USA, people practise yoga in parks and specially equipped studios, and the most popular type is performing asanas outdoors. These sessions aim to help people be in touch with nature while doing yoga, making it very relaxing and invigorating. In England, for instance, monuments such as Stonehenge offer beautiful backgrounds for Yoga Divas events, making the event magical.
Whether you are in New York or New Delhi, the core of Yoga Divas has always been about togetherness, harmony, and health through yoga.
For Yoga Divas, here is a unique yoga sequence for all novices and professionals. Let's take a few deep breaths and begin.
- Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, your arms by your sides, and your hands relaxed. Take deep breaths while concentrating on the present moment and feeling connected to the ground.
- Forward Fold (Uttanasana): From the standing position, release the breath and slowly bend forward at the hips and waist. Drop the head down while extending the hands towards the ground. Notice the tension that has built up in your hamstrings and back.
- Plank Pose (Phalankasana): Lower yourself down to the floor from the Forward Fold into a plank position, and suck in your belly. Breathe for a few seconds.
- Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose): Lower the body halfway from the Plank Pose with the elbows close to the sides of the body.
- Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana): Breathe in and use your arms to raise your chest off the floor, moving your head back and up as far as you can.
- Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Breathe and raise your hips, coming to the 'V' position. Wait for a few breaths.
- Child's Pose (Balasana): Lower your knees from Downward Facing Dog and sit back onto your heels, touching your head to the floor. Relax and breathe deeply.
Yoga is a journey. Every practice is an opportunity to meet, get to know, and accept oneself. Modify the poses if necessary, and be attentive to your signals.
In this concluding note of Yoga Divas, it is pertinent to ponder the lessons and advantages of yoga. Yoga is not just a physical exercise but a philosophy of life in which life's physical, mental, and spiritual aspects are in harmony and give us much-needed serenity.
For all yoga enthusiasts who are interested in being part of a community, there is FITPASS. FITPASS provides you with numerous yoga centres and the best gyms in Noida so that you can try out various classes and enhance your practice.
Don't wait! Welcome to Embrace Yoga Divas, your starting point for a new journey of healing and transformation. Get started with FITPASS now and take the first step towards a new world of yoga.
