International Yoga Day 2026: Do you know who is called the father of yoga? Why is Maharishi Patanjali considered the Father of Yoga? How did the Yoga Sutras spread yoga to the world? On International Yoga Day 2026, know the biggest contribution of Maharishi Patanjali and interesting facts related to yoga.
Why is Maharishi Patanjali called Father of Yoga: Every year on June 21, crores of people across the world celebrate International Yoga Day. Today, Yoga has become an important part of healthy lifestyle not only in India but all over the world. The 12th International Yoga Day will be celebrated in the year 2026, the theme of which has been kept as “Yoga for Healthy Aging” i.e. Yoga for healthy and active aging. This time the main event will be held in Kolkata. Well, in today’s time everyone is familiar with yoga. But do you know that Maharishi Patanjali is called the Father of Yoga? Know why Maharishi Patanjali is called the father of Yoga and what is his biggest contribution?
Why is Maharishi Patanjali called the father of yoga?
The tradition of yoga is considered thousands of years old in India. However, in ancient times, the knowledge of yoga was passed on orally through the guru-disciple tradition. It was not written in any one systematic text. This is where the contribution of Maharishi Patanjali is considered most important. He compiled the scattered yoga knowledge into one sutra and composed a book called ‘Yoga Sutra’. For this reason he is called the ‘Father of Yoga’ throughout the world.
Maharishi Patanjali’s biggest contribution Yoga Sutra
The Yoga Sutras, written by Maharishi Patanjali, contain 196 sutras, in which the principles and practice of yoga are explained in detail. He did not consider yoga only as a medium to keep the body fit, but described it as a way to balance the mind, intellect and soul. Ashtanga Yoga i.e. the eight stages of Yoga described by him are still considered the foundation of Yoga education. These principles emphasize the overall development and mental peace of the individual.
Why is yoga becoming people’s first choice?
In today’s busy life, stress, anxiety and irregular routine have become common problems. In such a situation, yoga has emerged as an easy and effective solution for the people. Regular practice of yoga makes the body flexible and strong. Pranayama and breathing exercises help in increasing lung capacity and reducing mental stress. Many researches have revealed that yoga plays a positive role in reducing anxiety and stress levels.
5 interesting facts related to yoga
- The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, which means to connect or establish unity.
- The history of yoga is considered to be about 5,000 years old.
- On India’s proposal, the United Nations had declared June 21 as International Yoga Day.
- The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on 21 June 2015.
- June 21 is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, hence this date was given special importance.
Maharishi Patanjali’s role has been very important in giving global recognition to Yoga. By giving a systematic form to Yoga, he created such a treasure of knowledge for the coming generations, which even today inspires crores of people to live a healthy, balanced and peaceful life. That is why whenever the history of yoga is talked about, the name of Maharishi Patanjali is taken first.