UN Designates 21st of December as World Meditation Day

The world will observe 21st December 2024 as the first World Meditation Day. The United Nations designated 21st December as World Meditation Day in a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on 29 November 2024.

As part of World Meditation Day, a special programme was organised by the Permanent Misson of India at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States of America, on 20 December 2024.

Renowned Indian spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, was the chief guest at the special programme, and he conducted a live, global meditation session.

Indian Initiative behind World Meditation Day

The initiative to declare 21st December as World Meditation Day was led by India in the United Nations. The resolution in the United Nations General Assembly was co-sponsored by India.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution, accepting that meditation played a positive role in the health and well-being of an individual.

The celebration of the day seeks to raise awareness about the benefits of meditation around the world.

Theme of the first World Meditation Day 

The theme of the first World Mediation Day is “Inner Peace, Global Harmony”.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is an ancient practice that has been found in ancient Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism and in the ancient civilisations of  Egypt and China.

 Meditation refers to the practice where an individual uses techniques such as mindfulness, focused attention, or concentrated thought to train the mind and achieve a state of mental clarity, emotional calmness, and physical relaxation.

In the modern world, meditation is seen as a tool for personal well-being and mental health.

Benefits of meditation

• Meditation is increasingly used as a stress management technique and in managing the symptoms of anxiety.
• Mediation in a group helps in fostering empathy, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose, contributing to collective well-being.
• Mediation is also used to support the mental and physical well-being of an individual.