Millions of people around the world unroll their mats on the 21st of June every year to celebrate International Yoga Day. It is not only a day to stretch and pose – it’s a reminder to the world of the power of inner equilibrium, health, and harmony with the natural world.
As we approach the 11th International Yoga Day in 2025, the theme of “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” takes center stage. This powerful message is the ultimate expression of the deep harmony between our own health and that of the world.
Let us take a close look at the history, significance, and why people all over the world are embracing this ancient tradition in the contemporary world.
How International Yoga Day came into existence
The idea of International Yoga Day was originally put forward by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during his address at the United Nations General Assembly on 27 September 2014. Drawing on yoga as an ancient product of Indian culture that represents harmony of body and mind, he suggested that June 21 – the summer solstice, the longest day – would be the perfect date.
As of December 11, 2014, the United Nations adopted the resolution with a record 175 votes of adoption. The first observance was June 21, 2015, and has grown every year since then.
Why Yoga Matters
Yoga is not a trend – it’s a way of life. With over 5,000 years of history in India, yoga is a physical and spiritual exercise that brings together the body, mind, and spirit.
1. Physically, yoga improves flexibility, strength, posture, and cardiovascular function.
2. Mentally, it alleviates depression, anxiety, and tension through controlled breathing and mindfulness.
3. Spiritually, it increases inner calm, self-knowledge, and empathy.
In 2016, UNESCO recognized yoga as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and it became a cultural heritage and a wellness tool in the contemporary world.
Themes Over the Years
Each year, International Yoga Day has a new theme reflecting the mood of the world. Some of them have been:
1. 2015: Yoga for Harmony and Peace
2. 2017: Yoga for Health
3. 2019: Yoga for Climate Action
4. 2020: Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family (pandemic)
5. 2023: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Yoga – One World is One Family
6. 2024: Yoga for Self and Society
And in 2025, the powerful theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” reminds us that the health of our planet and communities relies on our health.
Global Celebrations of Yoga
Yoga Celebrations Around the World. What started in India has now gone global in terms of scope. International Yoga Day is now celebrated in over 190 countries, with sessions being held in heritage sites such as
1. United Nations Headquarters in New York
2. The Eiffel Tower in Paris
3. Sydney Opera House
4. Even Mount Everest Base Camp!
In 2023, PM Modi organized a record yoga session in the UN with 135 countries on board. These kinds of activities not only indicate the worldwide popularity of yoga but also the power of yoga to bring people together across borders and cultures.
In India, mass events are conducted annually, and the Prime Minister also typically chairs the main session. In 2024, up to 24.5 crore people (245 million) attended yoga sessions across the country!
What to Expect in 2025
India is gearing up for a grand celebration of International Yoga Day 2025. These are some of the highlights:
1. Main Event at Visakhapatnam: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in a mass yoga session under “Yoga Sangam,” where over 100,000 centers across the country will perform yoga simultaneously.
2. Signature Campaigns:
3. Harit Yoga – emphasizing environmentally conscious yoga practices.
4. Yoga Samavesh – the elderly and the differently-abled.
5. Yoga Bandhan – appealing to the global Indian diaspora.
6. Yoga Unplugged – promoting digital detox through yoga.
7. Yoga Awards: Distinguished yoga contributors across the world will be honored by the Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards.
Why “One Earth, One Health”?
This year’s theme is very apt. As more health problems and environmental disasters unfold, yoga offers a way of being able to reconnect with our body, nature, and society.
“Yoga for One Earth, One Health” reminds us that:
1. A healthy individual constructs a healthier world.
2. Living consciously leads to moral choices, from food to lifestyle.
3. Inner harmony can manifest as outer peace between people and the world.
4. Through combining environmental consciousness and community health with yoga, the theme adds more relevance to the practice.
Final Thoughts
International Yoga Day is not about taking selfies or asanas. It’s about pausing for a moment, taking a breath, and achieving balance in a crazy world. As millions participate in International Yoga Day 2025, let us recall that good health is not personal – it is public. So, whether you are a new yogi or a seasoned yogi, spend a few minutes this June 21st and become a part of the movement, unroll your mat, and celebrate the gift of yoga – for you, your community, and the world. Namaste.