At Manduka, June 21 marks a meaningful moment—it’s both the summer solstice and the International Day of Yoga. It is not coincidental that they share the same date—the sun, as the energy source for life, which provides warmth, light and power, represents the Divine in Hinduism. Surya is the god of the sun, creator of the universe and for long, a primary deity.
A series of poses, or flow, the Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation, is a common sequence in yoga today. Though its historical roots are varied and not precisely defined, the Sun Salutation has become a purification ritual for awakening the body, refining self, and igniting a fire within. There are several variations of Sun Salutations deriving from different yoga traditions, and each individual practitioner may modify poses to suit their needs and requirements, yet the benefits are many, from improved flexibility to boosting energy and reducing stress through rhythmic breathing and movement.
On the solstice, many yogis deepen this ritual by completing 108 Sun Salutations. But what makes this number so powerful? In yogic and Hindu traditions, 108 is a sacred number for many reasons. According to Yoga Journal’s article, “What’s So Sacred About the Number 108?,” there are 108 sacred sites or Pithas in India, 108 sacred texts or Upanishads, and 108 Marma points on the body, junctures where two or more types of tissue meet. Even the Sanskrit alphabet has 54 letters, each in masculine and feminine energies—54 x 2 = 108. Consequently, completing 108 Sun Salutations have long been used as a sacred, meditative practice to mark the changing of the seasons and many modern yogis continue to gather on the 21st of June to carry on the yogic tradition.
The longest day of the year invites us to breathe deeply, move intentionally, and celebrate our connection to something greater. Manduka is especially proud to support communities that gather to honor this tradition and we are continually inspired by those who step onto the mat with reverence and purpose. Wherever you are and however you practice, we invite you to celebrate the light outside (and the one within).
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