As the world prepares to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21, 2025, the enthusiasm across various countries is truly remarkable. What began as a proposal by Bharat at the UN in 2014 has blossomed into a global phenomenon, with over 190 nations now actively participating. From iconic landmarks like Times Square and the Eiffel Tower to community parks and virtual sessions, people from all walks of life are embracing the ancient Indian practice.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” resonates deeply worldwide, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual well-being and planetary health.
This report compiles 10 key events held across the globe from 2 May to 20 June 2025 as part of the celebrations and preparations for International Yoga Day 2025.
Indian Embassy hosts yoga session at Lincoln Memorial
On June 20, 2025, ahead of International Yoga Day, the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. organised a vibrant yoga session at the iconic Lincoln Memorial. This event, aimed at promoting the physical and mental health benefits of yoga, drew a diverse and enthusiastic crowd, including members of the Indian diaspora and local residents.
Germany hosts open air yoga in Vegesack for IDY 2025
As part of the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, the 4th Open Air Sommer Yoga was held on June 19, 2025, at the scenic Stadtgarten in Vegesack, Bremen, Germany. Over 50 participants joined the event, wholeheartedly embracing the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The session fostered unity, balance, and well-being in harmony with nature, reflecting a shared journey towards a healthier planet.
Yoga unites with nature at Bali’s Ulun Danu Temple
The 44th pre-event for International Day of Yoga took place on June 19, 2025, at the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in Tabanan, Bali, a serene blend of beauty and spirituality. Organised by CGI & SVCC Bali, this early morning session emphasised harmony between humans and nature, offering participants a peaceful yoga experience in a truly divine setting.
Yoga session held in Bangkok ahead of International Day of Yoga 2025
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Bangkok, organised a special yoga session on June 18, 2025, at The College of Dramatic Arts, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, Thailand. Held as a precursor to International Day of Yoga 2025, the event reflected the spirit of this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The session was led by Thai yoga teacher Mr. Jimmy and aimed to promote wellness, unity, and the global relevance of yoga.
100+ Chinese join Indian embassy yoga event ahead of Yoga Day
To mark the 11th International Day of Yoga, the Consulate General of India in Shanghai organised a grand yoga session on June 17, 2025, at the renowned Lingshan Buddha complex in China. Over 100 participants, including yoga enthusiasts, local residents, members of the Indian diaspora, and students, took part in the event. The primary aim was to promote the ancient Bhartiya practice of yoga and strengthen cultural ties between Bharat and China.
Vietnam celebrates Yoga Day with grand festival and map formation in Hanoi
On June 15, 2025, the Hanoi Yoga Association organised a grand festival in Hanoi to celebrate International Yoga Day (June 21) with the theme “Yoga for Peace and Community Health.” The event saw enthusiastic participation from yoga practitioners across Vietnam, alongside officials from the Indian Embassy and Vietnamese Ministries. A major highlight was a stunning formation of Vietnam’s map created by over 1,000 participants, symbolising national unity and harmony. Supported by local authorities, the festival underscored Vietnam’s surging passion for yoga, boasting over 4,300 clubs and 5.5 lakh regular practitioners, while also showcasing the deepening cultural ties between Bharat and Vietnam.
Myanmar leaders join Yoga Day celebration in Nay Pyi Taw
On June 15, 2025, marking the 11th International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India in Yangon, in collaboration with Myanmar’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, organised a special yoga session. Held at the revered Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw, the event was graced by the presence of Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister U Than Swe, Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur, government officials, diplomats, and other esteemed guests. As part of the celebration, a sapling of Mesua Ferrea was planted, promoting environmental awareness and commemorating the occasion.
Yoga shines at Bharat pavilion during World Expo 2025 in Osaka
The ministry of Ayush’s participation at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, is garnering widespread appreciation for its showcase of Bharat’s traditional health practices. Yoga stands as a major highlight at the India Pavilion Bharat, with daily morning, evening, and Y-Break sessions being held from May 2 to October 13, 2025, as part of a six-month-long initiative. As of now, 55 sessions have welcomed over 2,100 participants, including a mix of Japanese and international visitors. A special Yoga Week, running from June 15 to June 21, 2025, is currently underway, building up to the grand celebration of International Yoga Day, further strengthening India’s global cultural presence.
UAE hosts yoga sessions ahead of International Yoga Day 2025
As part of the countdown to International Yoga Day 2025, members of the Indian diaspora in the UAE organised multiple yoga sessions on June 9, 2025, at iconic locations in Dubai and Sharjah. These prominent venues included the Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, and 1000 Palm Park. These events aimed to promote wellness, unity, and mindfulness under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The widespread celebrations underscore India’s message of holistic well-being and are an integral part of the global preparations for International Yoga Day, annually observed on June 21.
1,000 students join Yoga Day curtain raiser in Colombo
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the cultural arm of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, hosted a curtain-raiser event towards the 11th International Day of Yoga on May 2, 2025. The event was held at Hindu Boys College in Colombo, where over 1,000 students enthusiastically practiced yoga with a specific focus on “Yoga for Youth.” This event successfully kicked off a 50-day countdown leading up to the main International Yoga Day celebration on June 21, 2025.
As International Yoga Day approaches, the palpable enthusiasm sweeping across continents is a powerful affirmation of yoga’s enduring global appeal. Far from being confined to its origins, this ancient Bhartiya practice has seamlessly integrated into diverse cultures, uniting millions in a shared pursuit of holistic well-being. The widespread participation, from grand public gatherings to intimate community sessions, vividly demonstrates that yoga’s message of harmony, balance, and mindful living resonates deeply, transcending all geographical and cultural divides.
