New Delhi: The Ministry of Ayush officially launched the grand curtain raiser event for the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at the National Media Centre in New Delhi on June 12, 2025. The occasion marked the beginning of nationwide and global celebrations leading up to the main event on 21st June 2025, when Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in what promises to be a historic global gathering of wellness and unity.
The press event was addressed by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, in the presence of Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, and other senior officials.
A Decade-Long Journey into the Heart of Global Wellness
Recalling the origins of IDY, Shri Jadhav said that the journey of yoga from the shores of India to becoming a global phenomenon began when the United Nations General Assembly adopted June 21st as International Day of Yoga in 2014, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary address. “It was not just a calendar event, but the rise of a wellness movement inspired by India’s ancient heritage,” he said.
Since the first celebration in 2015, IDY has united diverse cultures and societies in a shared commitment to health, mindfulness, and peace. From the record-breaking mass event in New Delhi (2015) to breathtaking sessions in New York, Mysuru, Srinagar, and beyond—IDY has grown into a symbol of India’s soft power and a bridge between tradition and modernity.
IDY 2025: A Transformative Milestone for Humanity
Calling IDY 2025 more than a celebration, Shri Jadhav declared it a “collective call to deepen yoga’s reach to every corner of society.” The year marks the 11th edition of IDY, and the theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” resonates with India’s G20 Presidency vision and its civilisational wisdom of “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease).
The main event in Visakhapatnam is expected to see the participation of over 5 lakh people, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Parallel “Yoga Sangam” sessions will be held at over one lakh locations across India, including schools, community centres, workplaces, and yoga institutions—making it one of the largest synchronised yoga practices in human history.
Yoga Andhra: State-Led Participation and Grassroots Involvement
Special appreciation was extended to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, under whose leadership the state has launched the “Yoga Andhra” campaign, with a vision to build a community of 10 lakh regular yoga practitioners. The collaboration between the Centre and state government underscores the unified approach towards health and wellness through yoga.
Ten Signature Events: Taking Yoga to All Segments of Society
A major highlight of IDY 2025 will be the Ten Signature Events being organised over 100 days, targeting diverse demographics and interest groups, including:
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Yoga Samavesh – Promoting inclusivity by involving specially-abled individuals, tribal communities, and the elderly
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Yoga Bandhan – Fostering global partnerships through diplomatic and international yoga sessions
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Yoga Tech – Highlighting innovations and startups in yoga-based wellness
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Yoga in Schools, Workplaces, and Urban Slums – Bridging accessibility gaps in health practices
These events represent the Ministry’s objective to bring yoga “from the mat to the masses”, integrating it as a sustainable lifestyle rather than a one-day ritual.
Public Engagement and Countdown Events
Shri Jadhav noted the overwhelming public response to the countdown celebrations held across various Indian cities:
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100 Days to IDY – Delhi
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75 Days – Bhubaneswar
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50 Days – Nashik
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25 Days – Puducherry
These events, featuring mass yoga demonstrations, workshops, and awareness drives, have created strong momentum leading to June 21.
Global Participation and Digital Integration
Sharing global outreach insights, Secretary Rajesh Kotecha revealed that over 60 countries have already launched events aligned with the IDY 2025 theme. Indian embassies and international yoga associations are partnering with local organisations to host yoga camps, conferences, and virtual sessions.
Digital platforms have also been leveraged to maximise outreach. The Ministry of Ayush’s IDY 2025 portal, mobile apps, and social media handles have launched registration drives, yoga quizzes, tutorial videos, and virtual class links to facilitate active citizen participation.
A Call to Action for a Healthier World
In his closing remarks, Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav urged the media to amplify the message of yoga as a way of life, not just a physical routine. “Your voice can make this movement reach every household. With your support, IDY 2025 will become a turning point in the pursuit of universal well-being,” he said.
Officer on Special Duty (IDY Coordination), Shri P.N. Ranjit Kumar, also presented a comprehensive visual overview of the event strategy, partnerships, and long-term vision. His presentation highlighted the seamless integration of grassroots mobilisation, strategic communications, and global engagement, ensuring that IDY 2025 becomes a landmark event in wellness diplomacy.
Conclusion
As the world gears up for 21st June 2025, the International Day of Yoga stands as a testament to India’s enduring spiritual leadership and commitment to universal health. With millions poised to join the grand celebration, IDY 2025 is not merely an event—it is a worldwide wellness movement rooted in harmony, balance, and collective growth.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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Image source: PIB website.
