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Context: The Ministry of Culture is celebrating the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21st June 2023 with various events and programs across the country. IDY is a global initiative that was launched by the United Nations in 2014 to promote the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga for humanity.  

Details

• The Ministry of Culture has directed all its organizations -attached offices, subordinate offices, and autonomous bodies- to observe IDY with full participation following the approved Common Yoga Protocol.
  • The Common Yoga Protocol is a set of guidelines and instructions for conducting mass yoga sessions on IDY. It includes a sequence of yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques that are suitable for people of all age groups and health conditions.
• The Ministry has also proposed to observe IDY 2023 at iconic sites with the help of circle offices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which would enable wider reach and participation.

Some of the iconic sites where IDY 2023 will be celebrated are:

Purana Qila, New Delhi

• The Minister of State for Culture will grace the occasion as the chief guest and lead the yoga session. Ministry of Culture staff and officials and other Ministry of Culture organizations in Delhi will also take part in the IDY celebrations.

Nurmahal Sarai, Jalandhar, Punjab

• The Minister of State for Culture will be the chief guest and lead the IDY celebrations.
• Nurmahal Sarai is a historical monument built by Mughal emperor Jahangir's wife Nur Jahan in 1618. It was a resting place for travellers and pilgrims on the Grand Trunk Road.

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

• The ASI will organize a special yoga session at the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in the 17th century. It is a symbol of love and beauty.

Konark Sun Temple, Odisha

• The ASI will organize a yoga session at the Konark Sun Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of ancient Indian architecture.
• The temple was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century. It is dedicated to Surya, the sun god, and depicts his chariot with 12 pairs of wheels and seven horses.

All organizations of the Ministry of Culture will also be conducting many cultural events and programs as well in their respective headquarters. These events will showcase the rich and diverse heritage of India and its contribution to world culture.

International Day of Yoga

• The International Day of Yoga is a global celebration of the ancient practice of yoga, which aims to promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
• The United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, following a proposal by the Indian Prime Minister. Since then, millions of people across the world have joined in various events and activities to mark this occasion.
• The theme for the International Day of Yoga 2023 is 'Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'Yoga for the Welfare of All as One World-One Family'. This theme reflects the universal message of yoga, which is to foster harmony and peace among all living beings and nature.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1933673

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