International Yoga Day 2025. Photo Credit: Times of India
This International Yoga Day on June 21, 2025, saw a revival of five lesser-known yet powerful ancient yoga asanas that have quietly returned to routines worldwide. Amid global events from Times Square to Visakhapatnam, these traditional poses are gaining renewed attention for their deep physical, mental, and spiritual benefits—echoing the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
Rediscovering the Roots of Hatha Yoga
While popular modern positions like Downward Dog and Tree Pose dominate social media, some practitioners are reconnecting with deeper heritage asanas. They’re prioritizing grounding postures that foster balance, focus, and inner strength—acknowledging yoga’s centuries-old goal to harmonize body, mind, and breath. This retreat to tradition reinforces yoga’s core purpose and modern relevance.
Five Revived Ancient Poses Resonate with Today’s Practitioners
These five classical poses are enjoying a resurgence:
- Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero)—once passed over due to its difficulty, it’s rediscovered for its ability to deeply stretch the thighs, knees, and lower back, offering profound relief.
- Balasana (Child’s Pose)—a gentle yet powerful restorative posture, ideal for unwinding and grounding in both mind and body.
- Garudasana (Eagle Pose)—a balance and strength enhancer that engages hips, legs, and shoulders, fostering focus and flexibility.
- Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Dog)—a chest-opening stretch that revitalizes the spine, arms, and core while boosting alertness.
- Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)—known historically and still today for instilling stability, confidence, and strength.
Yoga’s Everyday Applications Beyond the Mat
Yoga’s value stretches into daily life, especially for office workers. Desk-bound populations are turning to mini yoga routines: seated twists, cat-cow stretches, and neck rolls for posture, circulation, and stress relief—tasks easily integrated into workdays. These adaptations echo a broader trend of blending yoga into everyday movement.
Face yoga is also gaining popularity with concise routines focused on facial mobility and toning—highlighting yoga’s expanding scope in wellness.
Expert Perspectives on Yoga’s Holistic Power
Health and wellness specialists are reaffirming these ancient poses for their lasting benefits. From stress reduction to cervical and mental health relief, experts across fitness media affirm their timely relevance. On this International Yoga Day, experts call for deeper, mindful practice rather than surface-level performance.
Yoga’s Global Reach and Cultural Diplomacy
International Yoga Day’s reach—from Siachen Glacier to Times Square—demonstrates yoga’s universal appeal. In Visakhapatnam, over 300,000 participants gathered under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reinforcing yoga’s role in global wellness and unity.
Final Word
The resurgence of these ancient poses during International Yoga Day 2025 highlights a shift toward mindful, sustainable yoga. By honoring yoga’s deep history while adapting to modern lifestyles—from desks to global events—these classical asanas affirm yoga’s enduring value for holistic wellbeing.
Be it through rejuvenating Body poses, quick office stretches, or facial yoga, balance and health remain at the heart of this timeless practice.
