International Day of Yoga 2026: AYUSH Theme & MCQs

Following the UN General Assembly resolution in December 2014, the inaugural International Day of Yoga was celebrated on 21st June 2015.

Resolution 69/131 was co-sponsored by 177 member states and passed without a vote on 11th December 2014.

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the transition to Dakshinayana in traditional yogic cosmology.

The Ministry of AYUSH was established in 2014 to promote indigenous traditional medical and wellness systems.

Patanjali compiled the 196 Yoga Sutras, detailing the eight limbs: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.

Pranayama combines ‘Prana' (life energy) and ‘Ayama' (extension or regulation), involving deliberate inhalation, retention, and exhalation.

The Common Yoga Protocol standardizes loosening exercises, standing/sitting/prone/supine asanas, pranayama, and dhyana for mass demonstrations.

MDNIY is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Ayush located on Ashok Road, New Delhi.

In Chapter 2, Verse 50 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna defines yoga as skill, efficiency, and equanimity in action.

Sutra 1.2 of the Samadhi Pada provides this foundational classical definition of yoga.

The Guardian Yoga Ring was a collaborative telecast covering yoga sessions starting from Fiji and advancing westward across 75 countries.

WHO mYoga offers multi-lingual audio-guided Common Yoga Protocol modules to promote daily physical activity globally.

Samkhya provides the theoretical and metaphysical foundation (Purusha and Prakriti), while Yoga provides the practical method of spiritual liberation.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika details asanas, shatkarmas, pranayama, mudras, and bandhas leading to Raja Yoga.

Shatkarmas purify the internal organs and balance the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) before advanced pranayama.

Bhramari pranayama involves creating a soft humming sound resembling a black bee during exhalation, reducing anxiety and anger.

Nadishodhana purifies the subtle energy channels (Ida and Pingala nadis) through systematic alternate nostril inhalation and exhalation.

Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) strengthens leg muscles and develops balance, concentration, and postural equilibrium.

Bhujangasana stretches the chest and spine, stimulates abdominal organs, and relieves fatigue.

Samadhi is the state of profound meditative absorption where the meditator, the object of meditation, and the act of meditating merge into oneness.

Pratyahara bridges the external limbs (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama) and the internal meditative limbs (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi).

The Yamas represent non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy/moderation, and non-possessiveness.

Niyamas comprise purity (Saucha), contentment (Santosha), austerity (Tapas), self-study (Svadhyaya), and devotion to the Divine (Ishvarapranidhana).

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre was established in Jamnagar in April 2022 to harness ancient traditional knowledge with modern science.

Rishikesh, globally acclaimed as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World', hosts the annual International Yoga Festival attracting practitioners from across 80+ countries.

Siddha is an ancient Dravidian medical system originating in Tamil Nadu, traditionally attributed to the 18 Siddhars headed by Sage Agastya.

Sowa-Rigpa (the science of healing) is one of the oldest surviving medical traditions in the Himalayan region, formally recognized under Ayush in 2010.

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) combines asanas, pranayama, and solar mantras to provide full-body cardiovascular and muscular conditioning.

Announced on the occasion of the 2nd International Day of Yoga in 2016, these awards recognize national and international individuals and organizations.

Certified yoga instructors conduct daily wellness sessions at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to lower hypertension, diabetes, and mental stress.