Lucknow, June 21: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel spearheaded the International Yoga Day celebrations at Raj Bhawan on Friday.
A significant number of bureaucrats, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra, also participated in the event.
This year's theme, "Yoga for Self and Society," highlights yoga's impact on personal well-being and community health, aiming to boost grassroots participation and promote yoga in rural areas.
The International Day of Yoga, observed annually on June 21, emphasizes the immense benefits of yoga for overall health and well-being. This global observance was established by the United Nations in 2014 following a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that year.
In December 2014, the UNGA adopted a resolution declaring June 21 as 'International Yoga Day'. The United Nations describes yoga as an ancient practice with physical, mental, and spiritual elements, originating in India. The word 'yoga' comes from Sanskrit, meaning to join or unite, symbolizing the integration of body and consciousness.