International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21, and celebrates the ancient practice of yoga and its global significance.
It was Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, who suggested the date of June 21 to be celebrated as International Day of Yoga in his UN address in 2014. July 21 is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world. Accordingly, UN established July 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
The first International Day of Yoga was observed around the world on 21 June 2015. 35,985 people, including PM Modi and dignitaries from 84 nations, performed 21 asanas (yoga postures) for 35 minutes at Rajpath in New Delhi, becoming the largest yoga class ever held, and with the largest number—84—of participating nations.