Yoga Enthusiasts Worldwide Commemorate International Day of Yoga with Global Celebrations

Yoga enthusiasts worldwide marked the 11th International Day of Yoga on Saturday, with events held from Times Square in New York to the old Parliament House in Canberra. The theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," highlighted the global appeal of this Indian wellness practice. The United Nations recognised June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014, following a proposal by India supported by 175 member states.

In New York, the Consulate General of India and Times Square Alliance hosted a day-long celebration known as 'Solstice at Times Square.' Actor Anupam Kher attended the event, which featured seven yoga sessions with around 10,000 participants. This showcased the widespread enthusiasm for yoga in New York City and across the United States.

Global Celebrations Highlight Yoga's Universal Appeal

In London, hundreds gathered at the Strand for expert-led yoga sessions organised by the High Commission of India. Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami shared a message from King Charles III, who praised yoga for promoting unity and wellbeing. Meanwhile, in China, over 1,500 people attended an event at the old Indian Embassy complex in Beijing.

Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat led diplomats in celebrating the day. In Shanghai, Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China and a dedicated yoga practitioner, was the Chief Guest at celebrations by the Indian Consulate.

Participation Across Continents

In Moscow, Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar and Bulat Nurmukhanov led an event at VDNKH organised by the Indian mission with Moscow City Government. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Padma Shri Nouf Marwai and other officials attended an event organised by the Indian Embassy with the Saudi Yoga Committee.

Singapore's Supertree Lawn hosted about 300 participants for IDY celebrations attended by Dinesh Vasu Dash and Dr Shilpak Ambule. In Australia, senior officials joined vibrant communities at Canberra's old Parliament House for celebrations led by India's High Commission.

South Asian Neighbours Embrace Yoga Day

Nepal's Embassy of India organised a session with over 500 participants by Phewa Lake. Events were also held at Lumbini's Maya Devi Temple and Shankaracharya Gate near Birgunj. In Sri Lanka, over a thousand people gathered at Colombo's Independence Square for celebrations featuring ministers and cultural icons.

The Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre saw more than 1,500 practitioners celebrate IDY. In Dhaka, High Commissioner Pranay Verma emphasised yoga’s universality during a grand session with six prominent Bangladeshi yoga institutions.

Yoga Day Observed Worldwide

In Bhutan, Gelephu Mindfulness City hosted celebrations led by Lotay Tshering. Maldives' State Minister Ibrahim Amir was chief guest at an event with over 500 enthusiasts in Male. Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam shared how Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspired him to learn yoga.

The event in Port Louis featured INS Teg as a backdrop with participation from Indian Navy personnel and local residents. Social media buzzed with images and news of global IDY events drawing thousands of yoga fans.

International Participation Reflects Yoga's Global Reach

Japan's Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple hosted a festival inaugurated by Yoshiko Ishiba and Satoko Iwaya. Over 2,000 friends of India joined Ambassador Sibi George for celebrations attended by senior officials and diplomats. Similar events occurred in cities like Copenhagen, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Kyiv, Frankfurt, Manila and Nairobi.

The widespread participation across continents underscores yoga’s universal appeal and its role in promoting health and unity worldwide.

With inputs from PTI