Millions of yoga enthusiasts will practice their asanas (positions) around the world during September to further the causes of world peace, environmental responsibility, community service and better health.

On September 21 and 22, practitioners will honor the United Nation’s International Day of Peace through the Global Mala Project. It unites yoga communities from every continent to form a sacred circle, or, “mala around the earth,” through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108. Many of the events, held in 30 countries, will benefit charitable groups dedicated to fighting global warming and AIDS. Participating centers or schools will take part according to their tradition and inspiration: 108 Sun salutations; 108 rounds of a mantra or a kriya; or 108 minutes of meditation, kirtan or movement meditation.

September is also National Yoga Month. The month-long observance caps a year-round grassroots national awareness campaign launched by the non-profit Yoga Health Foundation, to inspire a healthy and informed lifestyle. The celebration incorporates a 10-city Yoga Health Festival Tour with yoga and music celebrities, plus green and holistic vendors. Proceeds benefit Youth Health Alliance, a charity providing free yoga-inspired enrichment classes to underserved youth and their families.

National Yoga Month is listed by HealthFinder.gov, a guide to health information, sponsored by the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

For more information, visit GlobalMala.org and YogaMonth.org.