First World Meditation Day celebrated on 21 December 2024.
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution, declaring 21 December 2024 as the first World Meditation Day.
The resolution, supported by countries such as Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico and Andorra, was unanimously adopted by the 193-member UNGA on December 6, 2024.
The theme of the World Meditation Day 2024 is “Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony.”
This global event aims to promote the benefits of meditation for mental health and well-being.
On December 20, ‘Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony’ was organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York to mark the First World Meditation Day at the UN Headquarters.
Meditation is an ancient practice with a history dating back to around 5,000 BCE, and has historical connections to ancient Egypt, China, and a variety of spiritual traditions including Judaism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
Meditation offers numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, improving emotional health and self-awareness, improving sleep quality, and promoting positive thinking and well-being.