Rishikesh at night
© Andrey Khrobostov/Alamy Stock Phot
Meditate and navigate. International Day of Yoga
Grab your mat and find your flow—it's International Day of Yoga! Celebrated around the world on June 21 each year, this day was proposed to the United Nations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The UN adopted the day in 2014 after the initiative received unanimous support from 177 countries in the General Assembly.
Pictured in today's image is Rishikesh, the 'Yoga Capital of the World,' located near Dehradun in Uttarakhand. Known as the birthplace of yoga, this city has been a sanctuary for yogis and spiritual seekers for centuries. The Beatles journeyed to Rishikesh, drawn by the teachings of Transcendental Meditation, a form of silent meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. They visited his ashram here in February 1968, and during their stay, they composed numerous songs for their eponymous studio album, also referred to as the 'White Album.' Their visit subsequently attracted Western fans, spurring the creation of new yoga and meditation centres in the city. Many of these visitors went on to become certified yoga teachers. Are you ready for yoga today, Rishikesh- style?