International Yoga Day 2025: A Global Celebration of Wellness and Unity
On June 21, millions across India and around the world came together to observe the 11th International Day of Yoga, embracing the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health.' Since its establishment by the United Nations in 2015, this special day has grown into a vibrant global movement promoting physical, mental, and environmental well-being.
Massive Gatherings Mark the Day Across India
Leading the nationwide celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a large-scale yoga session in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, drawing over 300,000 participants. This event embodied the spirit of unity and highlighted yoga's profound impact on holistic health.
Meanwhile, in Dehradun, President Droupadi Murmu participated in a grand yoga session, signaling state-level support for this ancient practice. Other notable scenes captured participants stretching and meditating in diverse environments:
- Army personnel performing yoga at the extreme altitude of Kashmir’s Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield on Earth.
- Border Security Force members and their families gathering for yoga at the iconic Attari-Wagah Border in Punjab.
- Citizens in Srinagar’s historic Ghanta Ghar embracing the practice amidst serene surroundings.
Yoga: Bridging Cultures Across Continents
Internationally, the celebrations spanned far beyond India’s borders. Foreign tourists joined serene yoga sessions by the banks of the River Ganga in Varanasi, soaking in the spiritual energy of this sacred city. The Indian High Commission in London hosted vibrant gatherings, while yoga enthusiasts practiced at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
In China’s bustling city of Guangzhou, people took to public spaces for synchronized poses, showcasing yoga’s universal appeal. This widespread participation underscores how yoga transcends culture and geography, uniting people in a shared pursuit of balance and health.
A Day to Reflect on Health, Earth, and Harmony
The 2025 theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', reminds us of the intrinsic link between personal wellness and the planet’s well-being. As individuals bend, breathe, and stretch, there is a collective reminder to nurture both our bodies and the environment.
From icy glaciers to urban riverbanks, and from border forts to global cities, this day reaffirms yoga's timeless role in fostering mind-body harmony and global unity.
International Yoga Day continues to inspire millions worldwide, blending ancient traditions with modern-day health consciousness, making it a truly inclusive movement for all.