Every year on the 21st of June people unite all over the world to celebrate International Yoga Day in order to honour the ancient discipline of yoga and its transformational effects on the body, mind and spirit.
But here in India, where yoga was born thousands of years ago, the day holds even deeper meaning. At Himalaya Yoga Valley in Goa, we do not only see this as a celebration but as a sacred occasion to honour the origins of yoga, to practise with humility and to share this ancient tradition in the same manner in which it was received – with the heart.
A Celebration Rooted in India
The UN approved International Yoga Day in 2014 after a call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The first observance occurred on June 21st 2015, which was selected to complement the Summer Solstice, the period with spiritual themes of regeneration and renewal.
The aim was straightforward, but bold: to increase international awareness of the benefits of yoga and to encourage all people to try the practice. The day has evolved since then and is now celebrated in places like urban parks in Europe to schools in India, using it as a symbol of unity, wellness, and shared intention.
And while it’s now recognised around the world, it’s important to remember that yoga is, and always has been, a gift from India to the world.
Why International Yoga Day Matters Here in Goa
In Goa, where our dedicated retreat centre is tucked away in the peaceful hills just 10 minutes from Arambol Beach, yoga is not something we do for a day—it’s something we live every day. Practising yoga in India means you’re stepping into a living lineage.
Every breath, every asana, every mantra carries centuries of tradition.
On International Yoga Day, that connection becomes even more tangible. It’s a day to move beyond the poses and remember the philosophy, discipline, and devotion that sit at the heart of yoga.
Whether you’re attending a class, meditating in stillness, or simply offering gratitude, the opportunity to practise in the birthplace of yoga is something deeply special.
Celebrating at Himalaya Yoga Valley Goa
At our school and retreat centre, every class is a celebration of yoga’s roots. Whether you’re here for a drop-in class, a 200-hour training, or a peaceful retreat, the teachings you receive are grounded in classical tradition and shared with humility and respect.
This International Yoga Day, we invite our global community—past students, future students, and yoga lovers everywhere—to:
- Take a moment of stillness or movement
- Reflect on what yoga truly means to you
- Honour the source of your practice
- Share the experience with others
Whether you’re here with us in Goa or tuning in from across the globe, you’re part of this living, breathing tradition.
A Tradition We Honour Every Day
Our founder, Yogacharya Lalit, was trained in the Himalayan tradition, and our entire teaching team is committed to passing down yoga as it was intended: as a path of self-awareness, inner strength, and universal connection.
For over a decade, Himalaya Yoga Valley has welcomed students from around the world to deepen their practice in India—the land where yoga was born.
Our programmes are not only rooted in lineage but also crafted to support modern practitioners who wish to learn with integrity and intention.
We don’t just celebrate yoga on International Yoga Day. We honour it in every class, every breath, every moment.
In Closing
International Yoga Day is a reminder: that yoga is more than movement. It is a way of life—a tradition that unites body, mind, and spirit. And while the world celebrates for a day, we are grateful to live it every day, in the country where it began.
Whether you’re practising here with us in Goa, joining our global alumni online, or quietly observing the day in your own way—know that you are part of something timeless and beautiful.
From all of us at Himalaya Yoga Valley—Happy International Yoga Day.
Namaste
