International Yoga Day 2025: why it is celebrated on June 21, theme, history, and significance

Yoga is much more than just a form of exercise; it is a timeless practice with its roots deeply embedded in India’s age-old spiritual and cultural heritage. Originating thousands of years ago, yoga was developed as a way to unite the mind, body, and spirit, helping people achieve harmony within themselves and with the world around them. Its teachings are based on ancient Indian philosophies that stress the importance of balance, mindfulness, and inner peace. Over the centuries, yoga has traveled beyond India’s borders, inspiring people worldwide to adopt its holistic benefits.Recognising yoga’s profound impact on health and well-being, the United Nations officially declared June 21 as International Yoga Day, which has now become a global celebration. Each year, millions around the world pause to acknowledge the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits that yoga offers.This day is more than just a chance to stretch or meditate; instead, it is a day to reflect and appreciate how yoga connects us to ourselves, to each other, and to the planet. People from different countries and cultures join in this experience, which is a clear example of how ancient wisdom can unite modern lives in a simple way.On the occasion of International Yoga Day, let’s know more about the theme for this year and the history behind the day.

International Yoga Day 2025 theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”

The theme for Yoga Day 2025 is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” which tells how yoga supports not just individual well-being but also the health of our planet. This theme reminds us that personal health and environmental health are deeply connected. Taking care of our bodies through yoga goes hand in hand with caring for the Earth we all share. This year also marks the 11th anniversary of International Yoga Day, and the celebrations will be bigger than ever, with a series of signature events across India.

Among the 10 key events, the highlight will be ‘Yoga Sangam‘, which is a huge gathering with yoga celebrations happening at approximately 1,00,000 locations across the country. Other important events include Yoga Bandhan, Yoga Park, Yoga Samavesh, Yoga Prabhava, Yoga Connect, Harit Yoga, Yoga Unplugged, Yoga Mahakumbh, and Samyoga. Each of these events are a unique and special way for people to experience and celebrate yoga.

Why is International Yoga Day celebrated on June 21?

June 21 was chosen because it marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, which is traditionally associated with spiritual significance in many cultures, including India. The United Nations General Assembly officially declared June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014 after a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the UN session, PM Modi described yoga as “an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action … a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature,” according to the official records of the UN General Assembly.

The historic first International Yoga Day in 2015

The inaugural International Yoga Day in 2015 was celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in New Delhi. The event set two Guinness World Records, one for the largest yoga session with 35,985 participants and another for the most nationalities (84) represented in a single session. This global participation showed how yoga is not just limited to India but goes across borders and brings people together in a shared pursuit of health and harmony.

How is Yoga Day internationally significant?

International Yoga Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It has now become a worldwide movement to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga for the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga helps to build a balanced approach to health, focusing not just on physical fitness but also on mental clarity and emotional calm. Practicing yoga can help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and boost overall well-being.Yoga teaches mindfulness and respect, not only for ourselves but also for the environment that supports us.

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