INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY: JUST A ONE-DAY SHAM?

22-JUNE-ENG 13

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------Every year on June 21, International Yoga Day is celebrated with much fanfare across the world. Governments, institutions and individuals organise yoga demonstrations, workshops and events. Social media is flooded with pictures and messages of yoga, reflecting the global enthusiasm for this ancient Indian discipline. But has it become just a one-day “chochla” (fun)?

Many critics feel that the celebration of International Yoga Day is often superficial and focuses more on publicity and show than understanding or embracing the deeper philosophy of yoga. They argue that after a day of celebrations, most people fail to incorporate yoga in their daily routine, and its real purpose, which is to promote holistic health and well-being, remains unfulfilled.

More emphasis on publicity, less on practice: It is often seen that the day is marked by massive public demonstrations and a race to create Guinness Book of World Records. Taking pictures or making videos of yoga postures becomes the priority, while the basic principles of yoga – yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi – receive little attention.

Allegation of commercialisation: Some believe that the celebration of Yoga Day promotes the commercialisation of yoga. Various brands use the day to promote yoga-related products, such as mats, clothing and equipment, making it a consumerist event.

Irregular practice: Even though International Yoga Day inspires millions of people to do yoga together, it is difficult to see how many of them continue to practice yoga regularly throughout the year. If yoga is considered only a one-day event, it is impossible to reap its long-term health benefits.

Superficial understanding: Yoga is not just physical exercise. It is the science of integration of mind, body and spirit. However, Yoga Day is often focused on only the physical postures, leaving its deeper spiritual and philosophical understanding unseen.

It would be completely wrong to say that International Yoga Day is completely a “chip”. There is no doubt that this day has played a vital role in bringing yoga to the global stage and raising awareness about it. It has introduced millions of people to yoga for the first time, and some have even made it a permanent part of their lifestyle.

However, it is a matter of important debate whether we are making the most of this day. If the purpose of Yoga Day is reduced to just an annual formality, it will not really do justice to the true essence of yoga.

To make International Yoga Day more than just a one-day show, we must consider the following points:

Convert awareness into practice: We must inspire people to practice yoga regularly, not just for a day.

Emphasis on the deeper dimensions of yoga: Along with the physical postures, the importance of pranayama, meditation and ethical principles of yoga should also be highlighted. Community initiatives: Local communities should be encouraged to organise yoga classes and workshops throughout the year. Curbing commercialisation: There should be a reduction in the commercialisation of yoga and a greater focus on its spiritual and wellness aspects.

International Yoga Day is a great idea, but its success depends on how we see it as a catalyst for sustainable lifestyle change rather than just an annual celebration. If we want to avoid this day becoming just a “chip”, we must re-establish the core message of yoga: it is a lifestyle, not a one-day performance.