Celebrating Unity: India Marks 11th International Day of Yoga with Enthusiasm

On June 21, India celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga with millions participating in events nationwide. Prime Minister Modi led a mass yoga session in Visakhapatnam, emphasizing yoga's role in promoting peace and unity. The celebrations included participation from the armed forces, various state leaders, and citizens, showcasing yoga's global appeal. With a theme of 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', the event highlighted the interconnectedness of health and well-being across the planet. Notably, Andhra Pradesh set a world record with over 3 lakh participants, demonstrating yoga's rising influence as a symbol of India's soft power.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 21, 2025, 21:09 IST

A Nationwide Celebration of Yoga

On Saturday, millions of individuals across India unrolled their yoga mats to commemorate the 11th International Day of Yoga. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the national celebration from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where he led a large yoga session on RK Beach.

Clad in white attire, Modi emphasized the importance of yoga in fostering peace during turbulent times, stating, "Yoga serves as a pause button that humanity requires to breathe, find balance, and restore wholeness."

He urged the global community to embrace this yoga day as a launchpad for 'Yoga for Humanity 2.0', advocating for inner peace to become a universal principle.

The Indian armed forces also participated in Yoga Day celebrations, from the heights of Siachen Glacier to naval vessels in Visakhapatnam, showcasing their dedication to discipline and inner strength.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the festivities in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, alongside Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.

Singh remarked on yoga's evolution from a practice associated with saints to a global phenomenon, with people performing 'surya namaskar' in iconic locations worldwide, calling it a miracle.

He highlighted yoga as India's 'rising soft power' and its role as a powerful ambassador for the nation.

At the Western Air Command in Delhi, numerous personnel and their families gathered at Subroto Park for yoga routines, forming a symbolic 'OP SINDOOR' formation while practicing various asanas.

Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani joined over 3,400 participants, including defence attaches from 25 nations, NCC cadets, and school students, in yoga exercises at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi.

The Indian Navy also took part in the main celebrations in Visakhapatnam, conducting sessions along RK Beach and on ships anchored nearby.

President Droupadi Murmu, speaking at a police lines event in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, praised yoga as a prime example of India's soft power, emphasizing its universal appeal.

She stated, "Yoga transcends religion, sect, or community; it is a practice for a healthy life," encouraging everyone to incorporate it into their daily routines for mental and physical wellness.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar noted that yoga's timeless wisdom has united humanity in health and harmony.

Various Union ministers, governors, and chief ministers participated in yoga sessions across the country.

In Visakhapatnam, Modi announced this year's theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', highlighting the interconnectedness of all life on the planet.

He explained that human health relies on the well-being of the soil, rivers, animals, and plants that sustain us.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reported that the state set 23 global records, including two Guinness Records, with 3.03 lakh participants at the main event, achieving a world record for the largest yoga gathering.

Additionally, 22,122 tribal students performed 108 Surya namaskars for 108 minutes, securing another Guinness World Record.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda led celebrations at Kartavya Path in Delhi, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in yoga at Nehru Park with diplomats.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta practiced asanas by the Yamuna River.

In Uttar Pradesh, Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led events in Raj Bhavan and Gorakhpur, respectively.

Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, joined by yoga guru Ramdev, announced a five-minute yoga break in government offices and a uniform yoga curriculum for educational institutions.

Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced a yoga policy, aiming to position the state as a global wellness hub.

Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant encouraged teachers to practice yoga with students daily for better health.

In Bihar, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan participated in a yoga camp at Raj Bhavan.

Hyderabad witnessed over 3,000 individuals with disabilities showcasing their yoga skills.

The Archaeological Survey of India organized yoga sessions at 81 historical sites nationwide, including the Adalaj Ki Vav in Gujarat and the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.

The UN designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in December 2014, following a resolution proposed by India and supported by 175 member states.