The mental and spiritual practice of yoga has been a part of India’s culture since ancient times. And to propagate the benefits of the practice across the globe, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of International Day of Yoga, during his 2014 speech at the UN General Assembly. Following this, a draft resolution on the subject was introduced, which received support from 177 nations, eventually leading to the United Nations declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga (IDY). 

On this day, people from all walks of life, across the world, unite to practice yoga asanas (postures). In India, from army personnel posted in remote areas of the country and government officials, including state chief ministers, cabinet ministers and heads of the various wings of the Indian government, to celebrities from the world of entertainment and sports and the general populace - everyone participates in the event.