As the world gears up to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2025, several countries hosted large-scale yoga demonstrations on June 20, marking a global countdown to the landmark event. The theme for this year is "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," emphasizing holistic well-being and global unity.
Yoga at Lumbini: A Symbolic Tribute to Peace and Wellness
In Nepal, the Indian Embassy, in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust, conducted a major yoga event at Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, underscored the global impact of Yoga, especially after the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014.
"Lumbini stands as a beacon of peace and harmony, making it an ideal location to celebrate Yoga's universal values," said Srivastava.
The Lumbini session is part of a broader initiative by the Indian Embassy to hold IDY celebrations in multiple cities across Nepal.
Asia: Students Lead the Way in Thailand and Japan
In Thailand, students from St. Andrews International School took part in a vibrant yoga session organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre under the Indian Embassy in Bangkok. The activity highlighted the values of unity and sustainability associated with the 2025 theme.
In Japan, the countdown event took place at the Osaka Expo 2025 venue. Ambassador of India to Japan Sibi George and Osaka Prefecture Vice Governor Shigeki Watanabe inaugurated the event, joining thousands in a collective yoga practice. The celebration underscored Japan's strong engagement with the International Yoga Day movement.
Europe and Middle East: Media Highlights and Youth Participation
In Austria, the Indian Embassy in Vienna held an IDY celebration in partnership with Stadt Wien (City of Vienna). The event gained national attention, featuring on Austria's prominent morning show 'Guten Morgen Österreich' on ORF, the country's public broadcaster.
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, students from International Indian Schools in Taif and Jubail cities participated in high-energy yoga sessions. According to a post by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, the initiative reflected Yoga's core messages of harmony, well-being, and unity.
Africa: Kenya's Foreign Affairs Team Joins In
In Nairobi, the Indian High Commission hosted a special yoga session for Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Ulinzi Sports Complex. Held as part of their Annual Staff Wellness Day, the event drew over 300 participants. The focus was on the holistic benefits of yoga for physical and mental health.
China: India Showcases Wellness at Mobile World Congress in Shanghai
On the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai, the Consulate General of India held a yoga workshop and symposium, attracting international participants from the tech and business sectors.
Decade of Yoga Diplomacy and a Vision for the Future
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address on March 30, emphasized the role of yoga in daily life and praised its global influence. He reiterated the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," which reflects India's holistic vision for planetary health and individual well-being.
Since the UN recognized International Day of Yoga in 2014 following India's proposal, the movement has grown to become one of the world’s most recognized health campaigns. This year, Yoga Day celebrations will culminate in a mass demonstration led by PM Modi in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Global Participation Expected on June 21
Over two crore people are expected to participate in yoga sessions across India and globally. Events will take place at more than 1,00,000 locations under the government’s ‘Yoga Sangam’ initiative. In Andhra Pradesh alone, three lakh participants are set to join the main event alongside PM Modi.
This one-day countdown reaffirms the global community's growing commitment to yoga as a means of achieving physical vitality, mental peace, and environmental balance.
