India co-sponsored a UN General Assembly draft resolution that was unanimously adopted to proclaim December 21 as
World Meditation Day
.
With this, December 21 will be observed as World Meditation Day every year.
“A day for comprehensive well being and inner transformation!
Glad that India alongwith other nations of the core group guided the unanimous adoption of the resolution on declaration of 21 December as World Meditation Day @UN General Assembly today. India’s leadership in overall human wellbeing stems from our civilizational dictum of #VasudhaivaKutumbakam – the whole world is one family,” Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, New York posted on X.
Expressing his happiness, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar posted on X: “Glad to hear that 21 Dec has been declared as World Meditation Day by the @UN . Finally meditation has been recognized by all the nations. It is food for the soul and the answer to all the challenges of modern day life.”
December 21 and its significance for Indians
December 21 marks the winter solstice, an astronomical event that holds significance for cultures worldwide, including India. On this day, the Earth’s axial tilt causes the Sun to appear at its southernmost position in the sky, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
In India, the winter solstice is deeply intertwined with agricultural and cultural traditions. Although not widely celebrated as a standalone event, it is closely related to festivals like Makar Sankranti, which occurs in January and signifies the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara). This marks the beginning of longer days, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and hope for Indian farmers preparing for harvest season.
Historically, ancient Indian texts like Surya Siddhanta mention the solstice, and hence it’s an important factor in calendrical calculations and also in the alignments of temples. The practices of
yoga and meditation
, too, get affected because during this period people believe one needs deep introspection and spiritual awakening.
It is thus a reminder of December 21st and the richness of India’s astronomical heritage and its very connection to nature, cycles of time, and cultural celebrations honoring the Sun and the life-giving energy from it.
It also falls exactly six months after the International Day of Yoga commemorated on June 21, which is the Summer Solstice.
6 Yoga poses to practice every winter morning for improved digestion
Not just this, meditation plays a central role in Indian values. Meditation is a powerful practice that promotes mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being. By calming the mind, it reduces stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns, allowing individuals to develop a more focused and peaceful state of being.
Scientifically, meditation enhances brain function by improving concentration, memory, and emotional regulation. It also lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, and supports better sleep. Practiced regularly, it fosters self-awareness and resilience, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
Incorporating even a few minutes of meditation into daily life can lead to profound physical, mental, and spiritual benefits, making it an essential tool for holistic health.
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
