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International Yoga Day 2024 History, Theme, and Significance

International Yoga Day 2024 is being celebrated on Friday, 21 June 2024. This is the 10th edition of the International Yoga Day, marking a decade of global recognition.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit10 Sept, 2025
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International Yoga Day 2024

International Yoga Day 2024: The celebration of ‘Yoga Mahotsav 2024’ widely known as International Yoga Day 2024 took place on Friday, June 21, marking the 10th anniversary of this globally recognized event. The International Day of Yoga aims to promote yoga for health, spiritual growth, and global peace, and the main event is being held under the leadership of PM Modi at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.

The theme of International Yoga Day 2024 is “Yoga for Self and Society,” which prioritizes the physical and mental well-being of the community. On this day, various events and sessions are held to promote the practice across continents. Read on to learn about the history, theme, and significance of International Yoga Day.

International Yoga Day 2024 Key Highlights

International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21, coinciding with the summer solstice , also known as the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. On Friday, 21 June 2024, more than 190 countries participated in this global event, showcasing a united commitment to promoting health, well-being, and peace through the practice of yoga. Here are key highlights of the International Day of Yoga 2024:
International Yoga Day 2024 Highlights
Category Details
Date June 21st, 2024
Day Friday
Theme Yoga for Self and Society
Purpose Raise awareness about yoga's benefits in improving physical and mental health
History Proposed by PM Narendra Modi in 2014, adopted by the UN General Assembly by resolution 69/131.
Yoga Mahotsav 2024 Grand event to commemorate 100 Days Countdown to IDY-2024
Digital Initiatives Ayush Yoga Portal, MDNIY website, Namaste Yoga & Y-Break App
Activities Mass yoga sessions, workshops, seminars, and cultural performances
International Yoga Day 2024 Location Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, Srinagar, Kashmir
Global Reach Celebrated in over 190 countries

International Yoga Day Theme 2024

The International Yoga Day 2024 theme is “Yoga for Self and Society." This theme emphasizes yoga’s role in overall well-being and promotes the transformative impact of yoga on society as a whole, emphasizing empowerment through physical, mental, emotional, and social means. The World Yoga Day 2024 theme ‘Yoga for Self and Society’ highlights yoga's dual role in fostering individual and societal well-being. The 10th International Yoga Day is being organized at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

History of International Yoga Day

'In this century we realise that Yoga has united the world' -PM Narendra Modi

International Yoga Day has its roots in the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) resolution on December 11, 2014, which declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. This resolution was in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal in September to designate June 21, the day of the summer solstice, as the International Day of Yoga. He cited the holistic benefits of yoga for physical and mental health and its importance in a balanced lifestyle. Later, the ‘United Nations General Assembly Resolution 69/131 ’ co-sponsored by 177 countries and adopted by the UN proclaimed June 21 as International Yoga Day. Since then, this event has been celebrated across the world every year with a unique theme.

10th International Day of Yoga 2024

International Yoga Day started in 2015, with the first on June 21, 2015. On this day, the main event was held in New Delhi, India, with a mass yoga demonstration under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This year marks the 10th International Day of Yoga 2024 and is celebrated with the theme “Yoga for Self and Society." Here is the list of World Yoga Day themes since its inception:
International Yoga Day Edition and Theme
Edition Year Theme
1st Edition 2015 Yoga for Harmony and Peace
2nd Edition 2016 Yoga for the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
3rd Edition 2017 Yoga for Health
4th Edition 2018 Yoga for Peace
5th Edition 2019 Yoga for Heart
6th Edition 2020 Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family
7th Edition 2021 Yoga for Wellness
8th Edition 2022 Yoga for Humanity
9th Edition 2023 Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (Yoga for the World as One Family)
10th Edition 2024 Yoga for Self and Society

Significance of International Yoga Day 2024

International Yoga Day is a globally recognized event that has served as a cultural bridge and unified the world for peace and harmony. This ancient practice of India has been accepted worldwide for its profound impact on physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. Here are the benefits of the International Day of Yoga 2024:
  • Global Awareness: International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of practicing yoga and encourage people worldwide to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
  • Holistic Well-being: This day promotes yoga as a holistic approach to physical fitness, mental well-being, and spiritual growth, accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
  • Promote Unity: International Yoga Day serves as a platform for people from diverse cultures and backgrounds to come together and embrace the practice of yoga as a unifying force, fostering a sense of unity.
  • Mental Health: Yoga is known for its stress-relieving and mental health benefits, making it an essential practice in today’s modern world.
  • Yoga for Self and Society: The day aims to spread yoga as a global movement, focusing on raising awareness of social health problems and well-being.
  • Celebrating Cultural Heritage : International Yoga Day honours the ancient practice of yoga, which originated in India and serves as a soft power in diplomatic relations.
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International Yoga Day 2024 FAQs

When was the first International Yoga Day celebrated?

The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on June 21, 2015.

Why is 21st June celebrated as International Yoga Day?

June 21st is celebrated as International Yoga Day because on this day United Nations adopted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal to declare this day as the International Day of Yoga.

Who started the International Yoga Day?

International Yoga Day was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in September 2014 and later adopted by the UN General Assembly through resolution 69/131.

What is the theme of the International Day of Yoga in 2024?

The theme of International Yoga Day 2024 is "Yoga for Self and Society."

What is Yoga called in Sanskrit?

Yoga in Sanskrit is derived from the root word "yuj," which means to join or unite.

Which city is hosting the main International Yoga Day celebrations in 2024?

Srinagar is hosting the main International Yoga Day celebrations in 2024.
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