International Yoga Day 2025 preparations reached a crescendo across India on Saturday, 20 June, with political leaders, yoga practitioners, diplomats, and ordinary citizens converging at venues from Kolkata to Jodhpur to mark the eve of the annual global observance. The celebrations, set for 21 June, reflect yoga's journey from an ancient Indian discipline to a worldwide wellness movement now observed in over 190 countries.

PM Modi to Lead Main Event in Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lead the central International Yoga Day event in Kolkata, performing alongside thousands of participants. Prof. Kashinath Samagandi, Director of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, confirmed the details, saying the programme will begin at 6:30 am and run until 7:00 am, featuring nine yoga asanas, five pranayama exercises, and meditation sessions.

'The Prime Minister will perform yoga sitting together with the people. The Governor, the Chief Minister, and the Union Ayush Minister will also be present. Local government representatives, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and several other dignitaries will participate in the programme,' Prof. Samagandi said. The event will follow the Common Yoga Protocol, practised consistently over the last 12 years.

State Leaders Join Celebrations Across the Country

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu joined yoga guru Baba Ramdev at the historic Undavalli Caves in Amaravati for the occasion. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma performed yoga at his official residence in Jaipur, describing the practice as 'the foundation of physical strength, mental peace, and a balanced lifestyle,' and urged citizens to participate in state-wide events.

In Jodhpur, a yoga session at Gaushala Ground drew public representatives, government officials, police personnel, and local residents under the leadership of Rajya Sabha MP Rajendra Gehlot. Gehlot noted that yoga, once regarded as India's ancient heritage, is now being embraced globally with unprecedented enthusiasm.

Yoga's Global Roots and Political Significance

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prakash Reddy in Hyderabad credited Prime Minister Modi's vision for securing international support for Yoga Day at the United Nations. 'Twelve years ago, Prime Minister Modi declared that yoga is a universal therapy for many ailments. Following this vision, India proposed International Yoga Day at the United Nations, where member nations extended overwhelming support, leading to the adoption of a global resolution,' Reddy said.

In Hyderabad, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted that the city has maintained a 24-hour countdown event ahead of Yoga Day for the past seven years, bringing together prominent citizens and yoga enthusiasts. BJP Minority Morcha President Wasim Khan in Mumbai underscored yoga's cross-community reach, saying it 'has now reached every household and is being practiced throughout the year for physical and mental well-being.'

Diplomatic Community Joins In

The Embassy of the Russian Federation in New Delhi organised a special yoga session in collaboration with Life Yoga, bringing together diplomats and community members to promote wellness and strengthen cultural ties between India and Russia. The participation of a foreign diplomatic mission reflects the degree to which Yoga Day has become a soft-power instrument for India on the world stage.

What to Expect on 21 June

Mass yoga events are scheduled across every state and union territory, with the Kolkata programme anchoring the national celebrations. The day marks the 11th International Yoga Day since the United Nations first observed it in 2015, following India's proposal. This year's participation of diplomatic missions alongside state governments signals continued momentum for yoga as both a wellness practice and a vehicle for India's cultural diplomacy.