On June 21 each year, parks, rooftops, beaches, and even office spaces across the world transform into yoga mats. From New York to New Delhi, millions gather to stretch, breathe, and pause—all in celebration of International Yoga Day.

But have you ever wondered how this global ritual began?

Back in 2014, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood before the United Nations and proposed something simple yet profound—a day dedicated to yoga. Not just as a form of fitness, but as a way to reconnect with ourselves in a world that rarely slows down. The idea struck a universal chord, and by the end of that year, the UN declared June 21 as International Yoga Day.

Why that date? Because it’s the summer solstice—the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In yogic tradition, it’s a powerful day for transformation, balance, and light. The very energy of the day invites stillness, reflection, and renewal.

The first celebration in 2015 was massive. In Delhi, nearly 36,000 people, including Modi himself, practiced yoga together in an event that set a Guinness World Record. Since then, the movement has only grown. Over 190 countries now join in, making it one of the most widely observed global health movements.

But yoga is more than just coordinated poses and deep breathing. It’s a bridge between the body and mind—a practice that helps calm the chaos, ease anxiety, and build strength from within. Whether you’re holding a warrior pose at dawn or simply taking a mindful breath between emails, you’re doing yoga.

In a world constantly buzzing with noise, International Yoga Day offers a rare invitation: to slow down, to tune in, and to unite—not just with others, but with yourself. So this June 21, roll out your mat or just sit in silence for a few minutes. Stretch your body, settle your breath, and remember—peace isn’t out there. It begins with you.