Millions Celebrate 11th International Yoga Day Under ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ Theme

Millions across the globe today, June 21, 2025, united in mind, body, and spirit to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY). Leading the national celebrations from Visakhapatnam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded a massive gathering under this year’s poignant theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasizing the profound connection between individual well-being and planetary harmony.

‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’: A Global Message

The central theme for IDY 2025 directly resonates with India’s “One Earth, One Family, One Future” vision, first articulated during its G20 presidency. This theme highlights that personal wellness and planetary health are intrinsically linked, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for both individual and environmental well-being. It underscores yoga’s role not just as a physical practice, but as a holistic philosophy promoting mindful living and sustainable choices.

India Leads with Record-Breaking Participation

As the birthplace of yoga, India marked IDY 2025 with unprecedented enthusiasm and scale. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who successfully proposed the establishment of International Yoga Day at the United Nations in 2014, led the flagship ‘Yoga Sangam’ event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This grand gathering saw tens of thousands, with aims for over 3 lakh (300,000) participants, performing synchronized yoga demonstrations along a sprawling 26-kilometer coastal stretch from RK Beach to Bhogapuram. The state government is coordinating efforts to potentially set a Guinness World Record, including a remarkable event where 25,000 tribal students performed 108 Surya Namaskars in 108 minutes on June 20.

Across the nation, the Ministry of AYUSH orchestrated the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) sessions at over 1 lakh (100,000) locations, drawing over 2 crore (20 million) registered participants. Key initiatives included:

• Yoga Bandhan: Focused on fostering community engagement.
• Yoga Park: Transforming public parks into dedicated wellness zones.
• Harit Yoga: Promoting environmental conservation through yoga, with eco-friendly activities like tree planting.
• Yoga Samavesh: Catering to the unique needs of special groups.
• Other events like Yoga Prabhav, Yoga Connect, and Yoga Mahakumbh also contributed to the nationwide fervour.

Senior government figures, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, participated in events, with Gupta performing yoga on the banks of the Yamuna. Cities like Ahmedabad also witnessed large-scale participation, with 1,000 NCC cadets performing yoga. Indian military personnel showcased their commitment, performing yoga in challenging environments, from the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier to naval ships in the Bay of Bengal.

Global Outreach and Unified Celebrations

The spirit of IDY transcended geographical boundaries, with mass yoga sessions, workshops, and cultural events held in countries worldwide. Indian diplomatic missions and cultural centers played a pivotal role in organizing these celebrations.

Notable international events included:

• A major celebration at the UN Headquarters in New York, hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, drew over 1,200 participants, including diplomats and UN officials.
• Hundreds gathered at London’s iconic Strand for a yoga session organized by the Indian High Commission.
• Mass yoga sessions were held in Times Square, New York, engaging thousands of participants from diverse nationalities.
• Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia saw thousands of yoga enthusiasts, from beginners to experienced practitioners, participating in sessions at famous landmarks like the Batu Caves.
• The wife of Japan’s Prime Minister also participated in a Yoga Day event in Tokyo, underscoring the growing global embrace of yoga.

King Charles III of the UK conveyed a message emphasizing the theme’s importance, stating that “the world comes together to secure a happy and healthy future for present and future generations.”

The 11th International Day of Yoga served as a powerful reminder of yoga’s universal appeal and its enduring capacity to promote health, foster unity, and inspire a more mindful and harmonious global community.