Is the World Ready to Celebrate the International Day of Yoga?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Global Participation: Countries around the world are engaging in Yoga sessions.
- Peaceful Venue: Lumbini serves as a significant location for Yoga celebrations.
- Holistic Health: The theme emphasizes comprehensive wellness.
- Community Unity: Yoga fosters harmony among diverse groups.
- Decade of Success: Celebrating 10 years since UN recognition.
New Delhi, June 20 (NationPress) Various nations around the world held Yoga sessions on Friday, marking a one-day countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY).
The Indian Embassy in Nepal, in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust, hosted a large-scale Yoga demonstration at Lumbini – the revered birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, emphasized that Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India, has evolved into a global phenomenon, particularly after the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014.
He noted that Lumbini, widely seen as a beacon of peace and harmony, provides an ideal backdrop to celebrate the enduring values of Yoga.
This event is part of a series organized by the Embassy of India to commemorate the 11th International Day of Yoga throughout various cities in Nepal.
In Thailand, students from St. Andrews International School participated in a Yoga session emphasizing the mantra of 'One Earth, One Health'.
“Reflecting the spirit of Yoga for One Earth One Health, students from St. Andrews International School, Thailand, took part in a revitalizing yoga session organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Bangkok,” posted the Indian Embassy in Bangkok on X.
In Austria, the Indian Embassy in Vienna, in partnership with Stadt Wien, celebrated IDY, receiving notable coverage from ORF, Austria's national broadcaster, during its morning program 'Guten Morgen Österreich'.
In Saudi Arabia, students from International Indian Schools in Taif and Jubail engaged in a Yoga session that embodied harmony, wellness, and unity.
“In honor of International Day of Yoga, students from International Indian Schools in Taif and Jubail organized an invigorating Yoga session. Their enthusiastic participation showcased the harmony, wellness, and togetherness that Yoga fosters in our lives,” stated the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on X.
On the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai, the Consulate General of India hosted a well-attended IDY workshop and symposium for attendees.
In Japan, the countdown to the 11th IDY was celebrated at the Osaka Expo 2025.
“Ambassador of India to Japan Sibi George and Vice Governor of Osaka Prefecture Shigeki Watanabe inaugurated the celebrations and participated in a collective yoga session with thousands of yoga enthusiasts,” reported the Indian Embassy in Tokyo on X.
As part of the one-day countdown to IDY, the High Commission of India in Kenya organized a special yoga session at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi for Foreign Affairs officials, coinciding with their Annual Staff Wellness Day. Focusing on the holistic health benefits of yoga, the event attracted over 300 officials.
In his 'Mann ki Baat' address on March 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the significance of fitness in daily life and commended initiatives like International Yoga Day.
While sharing India's vision for a healthier global community, PM Modi mentioned the theme for IDY 2025 as 'Yoga for One Earth One Health', promoting comprehensive wellness for the entire planet.
The 2025 theme emphasizes Yoga's role in enhancing physical, mental, and environmental well-being, aligning with global calls for sustainability and unity.
This builds on a decade of success since the United Nations recognized June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, following India's proposal in 2014.