Explanation: International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21st, a day chosen to coincide with the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. The event was first celebrated in 2015 after the United Nations declared June 21st as International Yoga Day. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga, which include physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth.
In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, to host the International Yoga Day event. Ranchi is a city located in the eastern part of India and is known for its natural beauty, including waterfalls, lakes, and forests. The choice of Ranchi for this event was significant as it highlighted the cultural and health benefits of yoga and the importance of Jharkhand in the national context.
Hosting the event in Ranchi also aimed to promote the state's tourism and cultural heritage. The event included yoga sessions, cultural programs, and speeches by various dignitaries. The choice of Ranchi over other major cities like New Delhi, Allahabad (now Prayagraj), and Dehradun was strategic, as it aimed to bring attention to the less frequently highlighted regions of India.
Understanding the significance of this event and the location chosen is important for students preparing for competitive exams, especially those related to Jharkhand's geography, history, and culture. It is also relevant for those interested in the cultural and health aspects of yoga in India. The event in Ranchi in 2019 was a significant milestone in promoting yoga and its benefits on a global scale, and it is a notable event in the context of Jharkhand's recent history.