Last Updated:
International Yoga Day 2025 Date, Celebrations: The word ‘yoga’ comes from Sanskrit and means to join or unite, symbolising the integration of body and awareness.
International Yoga Day 2025 theme is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. (AI generated image)
International Yoga Day Date 2025: Yoga is a mind and body practice that originated in ancient India thousands of years ago. It includes a number of physical postures (asanas), breathing methods (pranayama), meditation, and ethical precepts all aimed at improving the physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance and spiritual well-being of an individual. The word ‘yoga’ comes from Sanskrit and means to join or unite, symbolising the integration of body and awareness.
When Is International Yoga Day In 2025
Every year on June 21, International Yoga Day is celebrated across the world to raise awareness about the multiple benefits of practicing yoga. The day serves as a platform that promotes well-being and good health.
Ahead of this year’s International Yoga Day 2025, let’s take a look at its history and some amazing facts:
When Did International Yoga Day Start? A Look at Its Origin
Yoga, recognised for its benefits to both physical and mental well-being, is practiced worldwide and continues to gain popularity, especially in the West. Considering its international popularity, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga on December 11, 2014, with Resolution 69/131.
As per the UN, India proposed the draft resolution creating the International Day of Yoga, which was supported by a record-breaking 175 member states. The proposal was initially proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, when he stated, “Yoga is an amazing gift from our ancient tradition.
It represents the integration of mind and body, thinking and action- a holistic approach that is beneficial to our health and well-being. Yoga is not just about fitness; it is a method to explore your sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature.”
This year marks the 11th International Day of Yoga with the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ which underlines an essential truth: personal wellness and global health are eternally linked.
What Are the Biggest Guinness Records Set on International Yoga Day?
- Did you know that International Yoga Day also holds not just one but two World Records? The grand event held in New Delhi on June 21, 2015 (the first International Yoga Day) achieved two Guinness World Records: one for the largest yoga session, with 35,985 participants, and another for the most nationalities (84) in one session.
- According to a PIB Release, this year, International Yoga Day will be celebrated with a grand event to be held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session with more than five lakh participants.
- Yoga Sangam sessions will also take place in over one lakh locations across the country, making it one of the largest synchronised yoga demonstrations in history.
How To Celebrate International Yoga Day
Join a Local Yoga Event
- Many communities, parks, and studios host free or donation-based yoga sessions.
- Look for sunrise or sunset yoga events to connect more deeply with nature.
Practice Yoga at Home
- Dedicate time to a longer or special yoga session.
- Try a new style like Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kundalini, or Yin Yoga.
- Follow a guided session from a trusted YouTube channel or app.
Meditate
- Yoga isn’t just physical—spend 10–30 minutes in silent meditation.
- Use apps like Headspace or Insight Timer, or practice breathwork (pranayama).
Reflect on Yogic Philosophy
- Read about the Eight Limbs of Yoga from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- Journal about concepts like ahimsa (non-violence) or santosha (contentment).
Organise or Attend a Group Session
- Host a yoga session in your neighbourhood or workplace.
- Consider a hybrid (virtual + physical) format to be more inclusive.
Eat Mindfully
- Prepare a sattvic (pure and nourishing) meal—fruits, vegetables, whole grains.
- Avoid processed foods and eat with gratitude and awareness.
Share Yoga with Others
- Introduce a friend or family member to yoga with a beginner-friendly session.
- Share your practice or favourite pose on social media using #InternationalYogaDay.
Support a Yoga Cause
- Donate to or volunteer for organisations promoting yoga in underserved areas.
- Buy from ethical yoga brands or eco-conscious yoga gear companies.
Try a Yoga Challenge
- Join a 21-day yoga challenge or set a new goal (e.g., daily yoga for a month).
- Start a gratitude or mindfulness challenge alongside your physical practice.
Disconnect to Reconnect
- Take a digital detox for the day or during your yoga practice.
- Spend time in nature—walk barefoot, breathe deeply, stretch in the open air.
Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect…Read More
Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect… Read More
- First Published:
