From historic temples in Tokyo to Milan's iconic Arco della Pace, millions of yoga enthusiasts across the globe marked the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on Sunday, highlighting the growing global appeal of the ancient Indian practice as a tool for health, balance and overall well-being.
Observed annually on June 21 since its adoption by the United Nations in 2014, this year's celebrations were themed "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", emphasizing yoga's role in promoting physical fitness, mental resilience and holistic wellness across all age groups.
In Russia, hundreds of participants gathered at Universitetskaya Square near Lomonosov Moscow State University for a mass yoga session organised by the Embassy of India and the Moscow City Government.
Around 400 people, including diplomats, academics and members of the Indian diaspora, took part in celebrations at Shanghai's Bund Finance Centre in China. The event featured meditation, cultural performances and discussions on yoga's health benefits.
Also read: Pak PM Sharif holds talks with US Vice President Vance
Japan witnessed one of the largest gatherings, with more than 2,100 participants joining celebrations at the historic Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple in Tokyo. Despite rainy weather, the event drew enthusiastic participation under the theme "Yoga together, rain or shine."
In Australia, yoga enthusiasts gathered at Old Parliament House in Canberra for a special session led by Yoga Australia CEO Josh Pryor. Similar events were organised in Bangladesh, New Zealand, Finland and the United Kingdom, where multiple yoga traditions came together in London to showcase the diversity and inclusiveness of the practice.
More than 1,100 people participated in celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, while yoga practitioners in Italy gathered at Milan's Arco della Pace. In Turkey, over 250 participants attended a special event at India House in Ankara.
Several countries began celebrations ahead of June 21. In the United States, hundreds joined a yoga session at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., while additional programmes were held at venues including Dupont Circle and the World Bank. In Saudi Arabia, nearly 500 participants attended an event in Riyadh led by local yoga instructors.
Canada hosted large-scale celebrations in Toronto, drawing around 800 participants, while more than 600 yoga enthusiasts joined an event in Nepal's Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Indian missions across numerous other countries, including the UAE, Oman, Indonesia, Romania, Slovenia, Kenya, Nigeria, Denmark and Kazakhstan, also organised yoga sessions and cultural programmes to mark the occasion.
The worldwide celebrations once again demonstrated yoga's ability to transcend cultural and national boundaries, reinforcing its status as a universal practice that promotes health, harmony and inner well-being.
Follow us
