KKN Gurugram Desk | Every year on June 21, people across the world come together to celebrate International Yoga Day, honoring an ancient Indian tradition that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The significance of this day lies not only in performing asanas but in understanding how yoga energizes and balances the human body.

Yoga is not just physical exercise—it is a science that influences the seven energy centers or chakras in the human body. These chakras regulate our emotional and physical health and play a key role in achieving inner harmony. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, understanding these chakras and practicing specific yoga poses to activate them can elevate your yoga journey and overall health.

What is International Yoga Day and Why is it Celebrated?

International Yoga Day 2025 is observed on June 21, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This day symbolizes light, energy, and awareness—fundamental elements that align with the philosophy of yoga. Recognized by the United Nations in 2014, this day highlights India’s invaluable gift to global wellness.

The practice of yoga dates back to the Vedic period in India and continues to be a source of holistic health worldwide. This year, International Yoga Day emphasizes how yoga influences the body’s seven chakras, improving vitality, emotional balance, and mental clarity.

Understanding the 7 Chakras: The Body’s Energy Centers

The word “chakra” means wheel or disc in Sanskrit. These energy centers, situated along the spine, are not merely spiritual points—they’re responsible for regulating key aspects of our physical, emotional, and psychological states. When activated through targeted yoga postures, each chakra contributes to harmony and health.

Here’s an overview of each chakra and the yoga asanas that help balance them:

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)

• Color: Red

• Location: Base of the spine

• Function: Stability, grounding, survival instincts

When balanced, this chakra offers a sense of security and physical strength. To activate it, perform grounding yoga poses that engage your legs and lower back.

Recommended Asanas:

• Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana)

• Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)

• Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana)

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

• Color: Orange

• Location: Lower abdomen

• Function: Creativity, sexuality, emotions

This chakra governs emotional intelligence and passion. Yoga poses that stretch the pelvic region and engage the lower abdomen help to activate this energy center.

Recommended Asanas:

• Chair Pose (Utkatasana)

• Standing Forward Bend (Padahastasana)

• Big Toe Pose (Padangusthasana)

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

• Color: Yellow

• Location: Navel area

• Function: Confidence, power, digestion

Manipura is the powerhouse of personal strength. Strength-building and core-focused poses can stimulate this chakra and enhance self-esteem.

Recommended Asanas:

• Boat Pose (Navasana)

• Crane Pose (Bakasana)

• Locust Pose (Salabhasana)

• Plank & Side Plank

• Peacock Pose (Mayurasana)

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)

• Color: Green or Pink

• Location: Center of the chest

• Function: Love, compassion, empathy

Anahata acts as a bridge between lower and upper chakras. It controls our ability to give and receive love.

Recommended Asanas:

• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

• Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

• Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

• Wheel Pose (Chakrasana)

These chest-opening postures help in releasing emotional blockages and enhance connection with others.

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

• Color: Blue

• Location: Throat

• Function: Communication, self-expression

This chakra influences how clearly and effectively we communicate. Activating it improves vocal clarity and confidence in expression.

Recommended Asanas:

• Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)

• Plow Pose (Halasana)

• Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

• Color: Indigo

• Location: Between the eyebrows

• Function: Intuition, insight, vision

Also known as the “brow chakra,” Ajna governs your intuition and inner wisdom. Inversions and meditative poses can unlock the power of this chakra.

Recommended Asanas:

• Headstand (Sirsasana)

• Arm Balance Poses

• Child’s Pose with awareness on the brow

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

• Color: Violet or White

• Location: Top of the head

• Function: Spiritual connection, consciousness

This is the highest chakra, representing union with the divine. While physical poses help, meditation is most effective in awakening this chakra.

Recommended Practices:

• Meditation

• Breathing Techniques (Pranayama)

• Supported Headstand or Lotus Pose (Padmasana)

The Science Behind Chakras and Health

The activation of chakras isn’t merely a spiritual concept—it has real physiological benefits. Each chakra governs a cluster of nerves and organs. For instance, the root chakra corresponds with the adrenal glands and spine, while the throat chakra aligns with the thyroid and vocal cords.

A misaligned chakra can lead to physical ailments or emotional imbalances, such as anxiety, digestive issues, or low confidence. Through yoga, these blockages can be cleared, allowing prana (life energy) to flow freely through the body.

Why You Should Align Your Yoga Practice with Chakra Awareness

Many people practice yoga solely for fitness, but integrating chakra awareness can enhance emotional intelligence, mental clarity, and spiritual fulfillment. Whether you’re battling stress, seeking better concentration, or wanting a stronger immune system, chakra-focused yoga offers a comprehensive solution.

On International Yoga Day 2025, individuals are encouraged to go beyond poses and dive into the energy anatomy of the body, understanding how to balance their inner energies for external harmony.

Global Celebrations and India’s Leadership in Yoga

India continues to lead the world in yoga advocacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address from Visakhapatnam this year, emphasized, “Yoga belongs to everyone—it unites body, mind, and soul across boundaries.”

Leaders from eight countries also joined state-level celebrations across India, highlighting yoga’s rising global relevance. From the banks of Brahma Sarovar to Central Park in New York, yoga mats were unrolled under the same sun, embracing unity and well-being.

On this International Day of Yoga 2025, take a step beyond physical fitness. Explore the seven chakras of the body and discover how yoga postures can unlock your energy potential. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, understanding your energy centers can revolutionize your well-being journey.

Let yoga not just shape your body—but your consciousness, your energy, and your connection to the universe.