India is set to commemorate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2025, with the ambitious theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasizing the holistic benefits of yoga for physical, mental, and environmental well-being. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled this theme during his latest Mann Ki Baat address, where he highlighted the transformative impact of yoga and traditional Indian medicine on global health.
The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the Ministry of Ayush, has been tasked with organizing this year’s celebration on an unprecedented scale. The countdown to IDY 2025 began on March 13 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, during the Yogamahotsav event, marking 100 days until the grand celebration.
Since its inception in 2015, International Yoga Day has grown from a landmark event in New Delhi with 35,985 participants into a global wellness movement. The annual observance, initiated by India and recognized by the United Nations, has brought millions together across continents, establishing yoga as a symbol of unity and sustainable living.
The Prime Minister, in his address, stressed the importance of integrating yoga into daily routines for personal and global wellness. “Yoga is not only a gift from India to humanity but a priceless legacy for future generations. The curiosity about yoga and traditional medicine is rising worldwide, and youths are increasingly adopting yoga and Ayurveda as excellent mediums for wellness,” he stated.
Highlighting the international appeal of Ayurveda, Modi shared an anecdote from his discussions with the President of Chile about the rising popularity of Ayurveda in South America. He also recognized the efforts of ‘Somos India,’ a team promoting yoga and Ayurveda for a decade. Last year, over nine thousand individuals participated in their events and courses, a testament to the growing international adoption of India’s traditional wellness practices.
The 2025 celebrations aim to be the most expansive and inclusive yet, revolving around ten signature initiatives designed to engage diverse communities. These include synchronized yoga demonstrations at thousands of locations, partnerships with iconic landmarks worldwide, and the creation of yoga parks to foster long-term community engagement. Special programs will cater to marginalized groups such as senior citizens, children, and Divyangjan, while virtual summits and decadal assessments will spotlight yoga’s impact on public health.
Sustainability also features prominently this year, with initiatives linking yoga to environmental conservation through tree planting and clean-up drives. Events targeting young participants and a week-long festival across ten locations aim to deepen yoga’s appeal among newer generations.
The celebrations will culminate in a central event led by the Prime Minister, blending traditional wisdom with modern healthcare for holistic wellness. The Ministry of Ayush underscores the critical role yoga plays in uniting individuals globally while addressing pressing challenges such as physical and mental health and environmental sustainability.
Over the years, International Yoga Day has broken records, such as the participation of 12.06 million during virtual celebrations amid the pandemic in 2020 and the monumental global relay Yoga Guardian Ring in 2022. Iconic yoga demonstrations have been held at landmarks like Times Square, the Eiffel Tower, and Tokyo Skytree, showcasing yoga’s universal resonance.
This year’s activities promise to build on these milestones, fostering deeper international connections and reaffirming India’s leadership in promoting wellness and sustainability through yoga.
India’s vision for yoga transcends the practice itself, aspiring to harness its principles for a healthier, united, and environmentally conscious world. With millions expected to participate globally, the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” aptly captures the essence of this ancient practice in addressing contemporary challenges. The 2025 International Day of Yoga is set to be a transformative event, reinforcing India’s role as a global pioneer in wellness and sustainable living.
