Yoga studios on every US street: Ambassador Kwatra ahead of Yoga Day 2025
Synopsis
India's top diplomat in Washington says you can find a yoga studio on virtually every street in the US — a striking measure of how far yoga has travelled from its origins. With Times Square, the Lincoln Memorial, and Navy Pier all hosting events on 21 June, the 12th International Yoga Day is shaping up as India's most visible annual soft-power moment on American soil.
Key Takeaways
Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra says yoga studios are now found 'pretty much in every street' across the United States.
The 12th International Day of Yoga falls on 21 June 2025 , under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' .
The Indian Embassy hosts its flagship event at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington on 19 June ; Times Square and Chicago's Navy Pier also feature major sessions.
Nagendra , widely recognised as PM Modi 's yoga mentor, will attend the Times Square event as chief guest.
The UN proclaimed 21 June as International Day of Yoga on 11 December 2014 , backed by a record 175 member states .
Since its first observance in 2015 , Yoga Day has become one of India's most significant global soft-power initiatives.
India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has said yoga is now so deeply woven into American daily life that a yoga studio can be found 'pretty much in every street' across the country, speaking ahead of the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations set to unfold nationwide on 21 June 2025. The ambassador described yoga as 'a great treasure of our civilizational heritage', underscoring its transformation from an ancient Indian practice into a mainstream global wellness tradition.
Celebrations Across the US
Indian diplomatic missions from coast to coast are preparing large-scale public events under this year's theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. The Indian Embassy in Washington will host its flagship session at the iconic Lincoln Memorial on 19 June, billing it as 'the largest yoga session of the year'. Parallel events are planned at New York's Times Square and Chicago's Navy Pier, among other locations.
The Consulate General of India in New York is once again partnering with the Times Square Alliance for the annual 'Mind Over Madness Yoga' programme on 21 June. The session will be led by Ruchika Lal of the Art of Living Foundation.
Padma Shri Nagendra to Lead New York Events
A highlight of this year's US celebrations is the participation of Padma Shri H.R. Nagendra, the Bengaluru-based yoga scholar widely recognised as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's yoga mentor. Nagendra is scheduled to attend and lead major Yoga Day engagements in New York, including the Times Square gathering, one of the world's most visible annual Yoga Day events, as chief guest.
How the International Day of Yoga Came About
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Day of Yoga on 11 December 2014, following a resolution proposed by India that received support from a record 175 member states — the largest number of co-sponsors for any UN resolution of its kind at the time. 21 June was chosen because it marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Ambassador Kwatra credited the initiative directly to the Prime Minister: 'The International Day of Yoga was decided upon by the UN through a resolution in 2014 whereby they declared 21st of June as the International Day of Yoga. It was a singular initiative driven by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, which was supported by 175 countries,' he said.
Why Yoga Resonates Globally
Kwatra attributed yoga's enduring cross-cultural appeal to its integrative philosophy. 'It's a heritage. It's a tradition which has this unique ability to bring together a very harmonious convergence of your body, with your mind, with your thought, and all three, with your soul,' he said. He added that this depth of connection is why 'yoga transcends borders' and is 'universally adopted and very widely practiced across all cultures and beliefs.'
This year's theme of Yoga for Healthy Ageing aligns with growing global interest in preventive healthcare and longevity. Since the first observance in 2015, Yoga Day has grown into one of India's most consequential soft-power initiatives, with millions participating annually through governments, schools, universities, and community wellness groups worldwide.
Point of View
Apps, and fitness culture. The challenge now is whether India can convert that cultural footprint into strategic goodwill at a time when the bilateral relationship faces friction on trade and immigration. Yoga Day events at the Lincoln Memorial and Times Square are symbolically potent, but the gap between cultural affinity and political alignment remains wide. India's soft-power dividend from yoga is real; whether it translates into durable influence in Washington is a separate question entirely.
NationPress
14 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is International Yoga Day 2025 being celebrated in the US?
The 12th International Day of Yoga falls on 21 June 2025. In the United States, major events are planned at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington (19 June), Times Square in New York, and Navy Pier in Chicago, organised by Indian diplomatic missions.
What is the theme of International Day of Yoga 2025?
The theme for 2025 is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', highlighting yoga's role in promoting physical mobility, mental well-being, and holistic health across all age groups.
Who is H.R. Nagendra and why is he attending Yoga Day events in New York?
Padma Shri H.R. Nagendra is a Bengaluru-based yoga scholar widely recognised as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's yoga mentor. He is scheduled to participate as chief guest at the Times Square 'Mind Over Madness Yoga' event on 21 June 2025.
How did the International Day of Yoga come to be recognised by the United Nations?
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 21 June as International Day of Yoga on 11 December 2014, after India proposed a resolution backed by a record 175 member states. The initiative was driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and 21 June was selected as it marks the summer solstice.
Why does Ambassador Kwatra say yoga has become part of daily American life?
Kwatra noted that yoga studios can be found 'pretty much in every street' in Washington, DC and across the United States, reflecting yoga's deep integration into American wellness culture. He attributed its universal appeal to yoga's ability to unite body, mind, and soul across all cultures and beliefs.
