First International Yoga Day (IYD) - 21 June

The first International Yoga Day (IYD) was celebrated across the world on 21 June 2015. This edition of IYD was led by India and was marked by 192 countries across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led thousands of participants of all ages at Rajpath yoga event. The celebrations were also held at the United Nations headquarter in New York which was led by External affair minister Sushma Swaraj. Numerous mass events were held in various cities across the world including New York London, Tokyo and Sydney. Background The idea of celebrating the International Yoga Day was pitched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014. In December 2014, UNGA had unanimously adopted India-led resolution to observe 21 st June as 'lnternational Day of Yoga'. This resolution was adopted under the agenda of 'Global Health and Foreign Policy'. 21st June was selected because it represents one of the two solstices and it is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere which has special significance in many parts of the world.

The logo for International Day of Yoga was launched in New Delhi on 29 April 2015. It was launched by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Union Minister of State (MoS) for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik. The logo was selected by the Committee of Yoga experts, which was constituted by Union Ministry of AYUSH and has been approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Facts about International Day of Yoga logo Reflects peace and harmony for the humanity which is the essence of Yoga. Folding of both hands in the logo reflects the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. It also reflects a perfect harmony between mind and body, man and nature and the holistic approach to health and well-being. The sun in the logo symbolise the source of energy and inspiration. While the brown leaves symbolise the earth element. The green leaves symbolise the nature and blue the fire element.

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