21st June - YOGA DAY
Yoga is an ancient practice of our country involving the fusion of mind and body. It is an excellent form of exercise suitable for every age group. Among all other forms of exercise, it has the maximum number of benefits. It helps increase concentration, reduce weight, increase flexibility and cure many ailments - breathing, digestion, body aches to name a few. It also helps fight depression and aids anger management.
The International Yoga Day was celebrated for the first time on 21st June this year. It was the government's initiative to popularize this age old discipline and create awareness about its benefits. For this, the Prime Minister - Mr. Narendra Modi, urged the United Nations and finally June 21st was declared as "International Yoga Day". The government also aimed to make a World record which further gained worldwide attention. And finally by much practice and preparation a world record of 35,985 people doing Yoga together (at Rajpath, New Delhi) was made. The participation of 84 countries turned it into two Guinness world records. Mr. Modi gave a surprise appearance and performed Yoga at the head of the gathering. Ministers, government officials, film stars, acclaimed Yoga teachers actively took part. Yoga shivirs were put up across many States where people did Yoga to show the worldwide celebration. Some schools and colleges also put up Yoga camps a week before to perform actively on the D-day.
Dedicating a day to Yoga gives international importance and popularity to it. Baba Ramdev had popularized it widely till now, but this unique step has given it a new face. There is a special reason for many Yogic preachers to suggest June 21 as the day to link with Yoga. June 21 is the day when day is the longest and night is the shortest. Also, the Earth is at the shortest distance from the Sun on its orbit. The Summer Solstice (which falls on June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere) marks the transition of the Sun from Uttarayan ( the Sun moving in the line of East and West shifts to the North) to Dakshinayan (the Sun moving in the line of East and West shifts to the South), as per the Vedic calendar. According to Vedic texts, Lord Shiva first taught Yoga to his disciples on this day.
Among all the other benefits of Yoga, it also helps keep one active without having to go to gyms. No gym fee and spending on any exercise equipment. All you need is a Yoga mat. It's best to do it in the morning in open spaces - gardens and parks - to get the early morning air. Drink a glass or two of water or lemonade (its best to start with an empty stomach), do yoga for 20-25 minutes and go about your day feeling energetic and relaxed. Also, it is very important to have a basic knowledge about Yoga to ensure that you get the best results. Joining a Yoga class under the supervision of a trained teacher would be great. If you can't take out time for a daily class, a weekend class or a week long crash course could provide you inputs on the basic asanas.
- By Pragati Pant