Celebration of International Yoga Day 2024 in India and South Korea

Written by: Neital Sharma (Jodhpur, Rajasthan) and Pragyanshree Mishra (Bhubaneswar, Odisha)

Edited by: Jayati Bhardwaj, Delhi

“Yoga is a way to discover a sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature around you”

‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘yuj’, which means to join or unite. It is the bridge between our physical and spiritual state and takes a holistic approach to the health and well-being of our mind and body. Yoga is an integral part of Indian culture and daily practises.

This year marks the 10th International Yoga Day celebration worldwide, with the theme Yoga for Self and Society’. The aim is to generate self-awareness and connect with society as one. The foundation for celebrating Yoga Day was pitched in September 2014 in the UN General Assembly, which was later approved on 11 December 2014. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on 21 June 2015, and since then it has been celebrated every year. The aim behind celebrating this day is to highlight the myriad benefits of yoga on a global platform. As the asana and pranayama play a crucial role in maintaining one’s physical and mental health. They also contribute to our spiritual growth. Furthermore, celebrating this day fosters awareness about taking care of oneself holistically and it also aims to bring the nations together and closer with mutual connection of health.

Celebration in India

Like every year, people across India participated actively and enthusiastically in the Yoga Day celebration. The most significant event occurred at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, Srinagar, where 7,000 people joined PM Narendra Modi to perform yoga on the banks of the Dal Lake. Alongside the main event, many other initiatives and competitions were launched, including awards for individuals who have championed yoga nationally and internationally, recognition for entrepreneurs who developed technologies and gadgets for yoga promotion, etc.

Indian Embassy in Korea

To commemorate the 10th International Day of Yoga, South Korea embarked on the Celebrations by organising Yoga Sessions in Nami Island (8 June), Jeju Island (15 June), Seoul (22 June), Miryang (22 June) and Busan (23 June). The Embassy of India in Korea held the Sessions in Collaboration with its supporting Partners, including the Korean Yoga Association, Nami Island, India Centre, Busan University of Foreign Studies and Miryang City.

The Event attracted a diverse group of Yoga Enthusiasts, spanning all Age Groups. Korean Citizens participated in large numbers, demonstrating yoga’s universal appeal. The Theme of the Year highlighted the Significance of yoga as a medium to attain oneness of body, mind, emotion, and energy.

Korean Embassy in India Celebrates Yoga

All the members of the Korean Embassy in New Delhi actively participated in the Yoga Day celebration. The Embassy organised a special yoga class where several stretching postures, breathing exercises, and a meditation program were done, which helped them to relax and connect with their bodies in a disciplined manner. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, Mr. H.E. Chang Jae-Bok, expressed his happiness over the yoga session.

India-Korea Relations

India and Korea have converged interests and mutual goodwill in recent years. Both countries share common qualities and external orientations. The strengthening of diplomatic ties between these countries is not only through official channels but also through the foundation of the Indian Culture Centre in Seoul and the Korean Culture Centre in India. These institutions serve as hubs for the vibrant exchange of culture, further solidifying the bond between the two nations. 

In Korea, yoga asana classes are usually theme-based and focus on understanding individual needs. Pranayama (breathing technique), asana (poses) and meditation are the key elements of yoga classes. Aerial flow yoga classes are offered for beginner and advanced levels. Events and experiences like beach yoga trips, yoga retreats, SUP yoga, rooftop yoga events, and sound bath experiences are organised outside the studio. Some yoga classes feature meditation and meditative instruments from around the world. 

Just as Indians have opened their arms to Korean culture and traditions with curiosity and utmost respect, Koreans have similarly been reciprocating the love and respect for Indian culture, and the Yoga Day celebration is a prime example. This is evidence of strong diplomatic ties and the love and growing openness that Korean people hold towards Indian culture. I firmly believe that yoga along with many other things will act as a catalyst to unite the two nations and strengthen their mutual appreciation.

What do you think about the celebration of International Yoga Day in both India and South Korea? Comment down below.