India observed the 12th International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2025 with large-scale events spanning cities, rural centres, schools, armed forces installations, and government institutions, reaffirming the country's central role in shaping global wellness culture. Thousands of citizens participated in mass yoga demonstrations nationwide, from iconic public spaces to community grounds.

Kejriwal's Message on Yoga and India's Cultural Legacy

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal extended greetings through a post on social media platform X. 'Heartfelt wishes on International Yoga Day. We should feel proud that our country has given the world an invaluable gift like yoga. Yoga is a symbol of our country's great culture and knowledge,' he wrote.

Kejriwal also addressed the gap between India's global yoga standing and domestic practice. 'People from abroad come to India to learn yoga, but many of us living in India still can't find time for yoga. In today's fast-paced and stress-filled life, yoga is essential for keeping ourselves healthy,' he said. The message balanced national pride with a call for greater personal adoption of yoga in daily routines.

Modi Leads National Celebration from Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the main national celebration from Kolkata, describing the occasion as the 'world's largest collective celebration' as thousands joined mass yoga sessions across the country. Ministers and chief ministers in multiple states also participated, reinforcing yoga's status as a unifying national practice.

AYUSH Ministry and Armed Forces Join Nationwide Drive

The Ministry of AYUSH and partner institutions organised special programmes at multiple locations as part of a nationwide campaign, featuring structured Common Yoga Protocol sessions, awareness drives, and community participation events across states. The Indian Army also held yoga sessions with large participation from personnel and their families, underlining the armed forces' emphasis on fitness and mental well-being.

Preventive Health and Mindfulness in Focus

This year's observance placed renewed focus on preventive healthcare, mindfulness, and stress management, reflecting yoga's evolving global perception beyond physical exercise. Wellness experts across the country emphasised integrating yoga into daily routines for both physical fitness and mental balance. Schools, offices, and public institutions organised morning yoga sessions as part of the nationwide effort.

As the 12th edition of International Yoga Day closes, the scale of participation signals that yoga's role as a public health tool — rooted in Indian tradition but embraced globally — is only deepening.