Yoga day celebrated across the world Photo Credit: Times of India
On June 21, 2025, the world celebrated the 11th International Yoga Day under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”—a call that resonated from India to the United States, from Times Square to Visakhapatnam, spotlighting yoga as a global catalyst for wellness and unity.
Times Square Welcomes Thousands of Yogis
In New York, the Consulate General of India in collaboration with the Times Square Alliance transformed the iconic junction into an open-air yoga studio, hosting around 10,000 participants over seven sessions led by celebrity actor Anupam Kher and senior consulate officials. The event reflected yoga’s universal appeal, bringing together diverse communities to embrace its spiritual and physical benefits.
India’s Grand Celebration in Visakhapatnam
Meanwhile, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a massive session at Ramakrishna Beach, Visakhapatnam, attended by more than 3 lakh participants as part of the “Yoga Sangam” initiative—an extraordinary gathering linking over 1 lakh locations across the country. This scale of engagement underscores yoga’s deep cultural roots and its role in inspiring collective well-being.
From Glacier Tops to Naval Ships
International Yoga Day’s reach expanded to challenging locations like the Siachen Glacier and Indian naval ships at sea, where military personnel marked the day with disciplined asanas—symbolizing yoga’s reach from peaks to maritime depths.
Global Celebration Ecosystem
Events worldwide echoed India’s message. In London, the Indian High Commissioner joined thousands at The Strand. In Washington, D.C., the Lincoln Memorial hosted a session led by the Indian Embassy. Cities like Tokyo, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur, along with beach and park sessions, participated in the global celebration . In Lucknow, enthusiasts gathered at the historic Rumi Darwaza, blending yoga with the city’s cultural heritage.
Urban Wellness Drives in India’s Capitals
Urban centres like Delhi and Kanpur also witnessed large-scale events. Delhi’s NDMC hosted sessions at Lodhi Gardens and Shantipath, while Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium welcomed around 10,000 yoga practitioners early in the morning—underscoring the civic push for daily wellness.
Renewed Push: Yoga for Humanity 2.0
At Visakhapatnam, PM Modi emphasized “Yoga for Humanity 2.0,” framing it as a pathway where inner peace can shape global policy. The theme tied individual health to planetary sustainability—echoing yoga’s timeless wisdom in modern global dialogue.
Aware and Connected via Yoga Sangam Portal
India also launched the Yoga Sangam Portal this year—a platform enabling event registration, certificate distribution, and community outreach to strengthen this nationwide celebration of unity and mindful living.
Looking Ahead: Yoga’s Growing Global Footprint
From embassies to remote villages in J&K, yoga’s presence on June 21 reaffirmed its capacity to connect, heal, and unite diverse populations. The synchronized effort across nations, demographics, and landscapes echoed Abhay Deol’s sentiment: yoga is more than practice—it’s a universal bond.
Final Word
International Yoga Day 2025 stood as a powerful testament to India’s global wellness diplomacy. Through coordinated events—from Times Square to Indian beaches—the celebration echoed a profound message: unity through mindful living. As the practice continues to transcend geographies and cultures, yoga’s ancient wisdom remains a relevant force for planetary harmony and personal health.
