Delaware declares June 21 as International Day of Yoga in state proclamation

Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer has proclaimed June 21, 2026, as International Day of Yoga in the state. The move links local celebrations with a wider push for wellness, peace and community health.

In Short

• Meyer called yoga a 5,000-year-old Indian practice uniting mind, body and spirit
• He said yoga improves strength, flexibility, mental clarity and emotional balance
• The United Nations created the observance to spread awareness of yoga's benefits

Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer has issued a proclamation recognising June 21, 2026, as International Day of Yoga in the state and urged residents to explore the practice for a healthier lifestyle.

In the proclamation, Meyer described yoga as a 5,000-year-old ancient practice from India that integrates the mind, body and spirit to enhance overall health and well-being. He said yoga promotes physical strength, flexibility, mental clarity and emotional balance, and offers useful tools for managing stress and improving community health.

“Now, Therefore, I, Matthew Meyer, Governor, do hereby proclaim June 21, 2026, as INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA in the State of Delaware, and encourage all residents to explore this practice for a healthier lifestyle,” the proclamation read.

Meyer also noted that the United Nations officially designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga to raise global awareness of the many benefits of practising yoga. He said the Indian American Community Delaware, in association with the Consulate General of India in New York, is organising local celebrations to bring citizens together and encourage wellness, peace and unity through health-conscious living.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s yoga guru, H R Nagendra, is leading the International Day of Yoga celebrations at Times Square in New York on Sunday. The event is being organised by the Consulate General of India.

Recognising yoga’s universal appeal, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in December 2014. The draft UN General Assembly resolution was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. Modi had first introduced the proposal in his address at the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, where he said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition.” The International Day of Yoga has been observed every year on June 21 since 2015.

The proclamation in Delaware comes as International Day of Yoga events are being held in the US and elsewhere, with organisers highlighting yoga’s benefits and its role in promoting health and well-being.

With PTI Inputs

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