How to Celebrate International Day of Yoga 2021
June 13, 2021
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Are you an avid yoga practitioner? If so, you probably are already aware that the International Day of Yoga (IDY) is just around the corner. Wondering how you can celebrate International Day of Yoga this year?
In this article, we’re sharing some insights to help you honor the practice of yoga as well as get the best of this festivity that includes live and online events to commemorate yoga all over the world.
International Day of Yoga at a Glance
As an official event recognized by the United Nations, the International Day of Yoga (IDY), World Yoga Day, or International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21st and it aims to raise awareness of yoga across the globe and share the importance of the practice with everyone.
IDY reminds us that yoga is for everyone regardless of your beliefs, nationality, religion, race, or gender. Anyone can benefit from its abundant benefits like stress relief, a more flexible body and a healthier lifestyle in general.
This year, the seventh anniversary of IDY, is organized around the theme of ‘Yoga for Well-being’.
As it’s become a tradition, there are many special events organized for World Yoga Day both live and online to adapt to the current circumstances. And it doesn’t matter what your current knowledge of yoga is, wherever you are on your journey of well-being, you’re welcome to join.
With that, here are some tips and tricks to get involved in the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga 2021!
Participate in the official virtual event
If you’re looking for a global, engaging and unique way to honor IDY, then you can participate in the virtual event hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations.
It will be broadcast live on the UN WebTV, where the President of the UN General Assembly and the Deputy Secretary-General will give messages about the importance of yoga, followed by a demonstration of asanas, and an interactive panel to discuss this year’s theme of “yoga for well-being”.
The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about yoga and to inspire people to become active followers in the observation of World Yoga Day 2021.
Attend an IDY event online
Image credit: Ekam Yogashala
If you can’t attend the official event, there are many other options online that might suit your schedule. Here are three events so you can choose what works best for you:
June 19th – Music & Meditation by the Consulate of India in Houston
On Saturday at 12:00 pm ET, there’s a live music and meditation session where you can still your mind and soothe your soul. You have the option of either joining the Zoom link or watching live on YouTube, where you’ll enjoy relaxing sounds of Indian classical music and a guided meditation with fellow yogis all over the world. Find out more about this event.
June 20th and 21st – by the Michigan Indian American Community
Wake up well on Sunday at 8:00 am ET and unwind on Monday evening at 6:30 pm ET with some yoga and more! Join the zoom link or follow the live event on Facebook as you learn different yoga-related practices such as Pranayama, meditation and Ayurveda, and strike some asanas with a global community. Find out more about this event.
June 21st – Mindfulness & Yoga Workshop by Beam
Join Jessica Ecleston on Monday at 12:00 pm for a virtual workshop where you’ll reflect and discuss mindful strategies and mental health. You need to join the Zoom event to take part and you’ll also participate in a raffle to win Lululemon products. Find out more about this event.
Join a yoga retreat online or in-person
If yoga is a big part of your life and you’d like to uplevel the celebration, then joining a yoga retreat is the best way to do it! This will allow you not only to honor the festivity but to forget about your daily routine, discover new places, meet like-minded people and learn new skills.
If you’re unable to travel right now, an online yoga retreat is a great alternative. It’s budget-friendly, easy to access from any device, and convenient. Since you’d be practicing from the coziness of your own home, it’s truly an accessible way to get into the joyful spirit of the celebration!
READ MORE: Top 5 Beach Yoga Retreat Destinations for the Summer
Attend an IDY Live Event
You can also take advantage of the summer solstice and go out to do yoga outdoors. There are many live events that you can join to celebrate in a big way:
June 21st, 7:30 pm PDT – Las Vegas
See the sunset on the lawn at Downtown Summerlin and celebrate IDY with a live DJ, refreshments, and tons of fun. And of course, you’ll also take part in a free Vin/Yin Yoga class guided by Jessica Johns and Kate Lynn Davenport. Find out more about this event.
June 21st, 5:30 pm BST – London
This is the perfect event to make good use of yoga and help rescue dogs all over the world. Bring your pet to Marylebone and strike a few Downward Facing Dogs while you help a charity raise funds and have fun along the way. Find out more about this event.
June 21st, 5:30 pm CDT – Nashville, TN
Head to the beautiful Cumberland Park in downtown Nashville for an event full of yoga, music, community, and fun. The yoga class starts at 6 pm, there’s also a MoveFit Dance Party from Dani D Fitness, and later on you can stay to enjoy the music, eat healthy food, or buy some yoga gear. You just need to register with Small World Yoga in advance. Find out more about this event.
Begin a yoga teacher training course
Let’s say you like the idea of an online yoga retreat, but still, feel like you could walk the extra mile, then a yoga teacher training course will do it for you! You can choose to do your training in a beautiful location or join an online yoga teacher training where you can become an instructor from the comfort of your home.
Keep in mind that becoming a yoga instructor isn’t about being the most flexible yogi or doing the most difficult inversions. There’s no required level, but there is a required power of will. And with the powerful energy of the summer solstice happening on the same day, you’ll have all the vitality you need to start this life-changing experience.
READ MORE: What type of online yoga teacher training is best for you?
A few more ideas on how to celebrate IDY 2021
Image credit: Wonder Yoga
Can’t participate in any of the above ideas? Here are a few more fun and easy tips to commemorate International Day of Yoga:
- Dedicate some conscious time to plan your next yoga holiday in the destination of your preference. Just thinking about it will enhance your mood and help you keep a positive attitude.
- Look for an online yoga class and organize a live yoga session with your family or roommates.
- Learn a new yoga style. Some of the most suitable styles to do at home are Jivamukti, Ashtanga, Restorative, Jock, Iyengar, Yin, and Bikram. You can find many tutorials on the internet.
- Take your practice to a location that inspires well-being to you. Maybe o to a park and strike a few asanas, or take a short day trip to the mountains or beach to unplug at least for a few hours.
- Treat yourself to healthy meals and learn to make a new recipe that improves your well-being.
- Create a serene, peaceful place at home and meditate for long hours.
Whatever you do, just remember that the intention of International Yoga Day is to be united with all living beings around us!
*Cover image credit: Paros Yoga Shalla
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