More than 5,000 people across Kenya and Tanzania marked the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21 June 2025, as African nations staged large-scale celebrations under the global theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', reflecting the deepening reach of the ancient Indian practice on the continent.

Nairobi Draws 2,500 to Oshwal Centre

In Kenya, over 2,500 participants gathered at the Oshwal Centre Grounds in Nairobi for a celebration hosted by the High Commission of India in Nairobi. The chief guest was the Under Secretary General and Director General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, lending the event significant diplomatic weight.

The gathering brought together members of the diplomatic corps, officials of the Government of Kenya, business community representatives, the Indian diaspora, and yoga enthusiasts from across the country. Highlights included Rhythmic Yoga and Stick Yoga performances before participants joined the Common Yoga Protocol. Ayurveda stalls at the venue offered attendees a closer look at India's traditional system of medicine, complementing the holistic wellness theme of the day.

'The large participation reflected the growing popularity of yoga in Kenya and the enduring bonds of friendship between India and Kenya,' the High Commission noted in its official communication.

Tanzania Celebration in Dar es Salaam

Across the border in Tanzania, more than 2,500 yoga enthusiasts assembled in Dar es Salaam for the 12th IDY, organised by the High Commission of India in the city. The event was graced by Steven Kiruswa, Deputy Minister of Minerals of Tanzania, as chief guest, alongside ambassadors, high commissioners, and heads of international organisations based in Dar es Salaam.

Ethiopia Joins the Celebration in Addis Ababa

In Ethiopia, the Embassy of India in Addis Ababa, in partnership with local Ethiopian yoga instructors, brought together more than 300 participants for a vibrant IDY celebration. The collaboration with Ethiopian instructors underscored the growing local ownership of yoga practice beyond the Indian diaspora.

UN Secretary-General Highlights Yoga's Universal Appeal

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres marked the occasion with a message shared on X, emphasising yoga's universal reach. 'From its deep roots in ancient India, yoga has become truly universal, helping millions of people of all faiths and cultures find calm, build strength and live with purpose. It teaches us mindfulness, respect and care for ourselves, for our planet and for one another,' Guterres wrote.

He added: 'On this Yoga Day, let's extend that care to the older members of our human family and build a world where every generation can lead a healthy life. Namaste!'

This comes amid a sustained global push by India to position yoga as a soft-power instrument, with IDY events now held across more than 190 countries since the United Nations designated 21 June as International Yoga Day in 2015. The African continent's growing participation signals that yoga's footprint is expanding well beyond its traditional strongholds in Europe and North America.