International Yoga Day 2025: Unfolding Its Importance, Theme and Origin

• Written by Yashita Sinha

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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धैर्यं यस्य पिता क्षमा च जननी शान्तिश्चिरं गेहिनी

सत्यं सूनुरयं दया च भगिनी भ्राता मनः संयमः।

शय्या भूमितलं दिशोSपि वसनं ज्ञानामृतं भोजनं

एते यस्य कुटिम्बिनः वद सखे कस्माद् भयं योगिनः।।

This quote by the renowned Sanskrit poet, Bhartrhari, highlights the importance of yoga. It means by practising Yoga, a person can cultivate qualities such as courage, which protects like a father; forgiveness and mental peace that becomes a permanent friend.

By regularly practising yoga, truth becomes our child, mercy our sister, self-control our brother, and the earth becomes our bed, and knowledge satisfies our hunger. Honouring this quote, let’s start our blog on International Yoga Day.

International Yoga Day 2025: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

Observed annually on June 21st, International Yoga Day, also known as World Yoga Day, emphasises the importance of yoga in maintaining the health and well-being of individuals. It serves as a global platform to spread awareness about the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of yoga.

It encourages individuals to adopt yoga as a daily practice for stress management, improved community, and enhanced focus. It also celebrates yoga’s roots in Indian tradition, as a way of promoting harmony between mind, body and nature.

International Yoga Day 2025: Origin

The idea of World Yoga Day was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the 69th United Nations General Assembly on 27, September 2014, where he urged the UN to declare a global day for yoga. He suggested June 21st  due to its symbolic significance as the Summer Solstice- the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

This proposal received immense support, with 177 UN member countries co-sponsoring it — the highest number for aUN General Assembly resolution. As a result, on 1 December 11, 2014, the United Nations officially declared June 21st  as International Yoga Day.

International Yoga Day 2025: Breaking Down the Theme

This year’s theme for International Yoga Day, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, highlights the relationship between personal health and the well-being of the entire planet. It encourages individuals to adopt yoga as a personal practice and as a means to promote global harmony and environmental awareness. Yoga Day themes of the past three years were:

2022: Yoga for Humanity

2023: Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family

2024: Yoga for Self and Society

International Yoga Day 2025: Importance

International Yoga Day celebrates yoga as an ancient practice and, at the same time, reminds us of its significance in transforming our lives in today’s fast-paced world. Here’s why this day holds global significance:

Promotes Health and Wellness

Yoga has been around for centuries and is widely considered to be an effective natural remedy for enhanced agility, better mental clarity, and regulated breathing. World Yoga Day emphasises the role of yoga in creating a healthier mind and body and encourages individuals to make it a part of their daily routine for leading a better life.

Raises Global Awareness

This day acts as a global platform for spreading awareness about the benefits of inculcating yoga as a daily practice. It celebrates this ancient practice as an effective natural remedy for stress relief, improved flexibility, and mental clarity.

Encourages Unity and Cultural Pride

International Yoga Day brings people from different countries and cultures together to practice yoga. It also fosters pride in yoga’s roots in Indian culture and shows how this ancient practice is helping individuals around the globe to live healthier and happier lives.

Supports Mindful Living

In today’s busy world, being mindful can seem hard. International Yoga Day encourages yoga as a simple way to support mindfulness. Breathing exercises, movement, and meditation help people stay present and focused.

How is International Yoga Day Celebrated?

International Yoga Day is celebrated through a variety of events and activities across the world, emphasising the global reach and different forms of yoga. Here’s a sneak peek of how yoga is celebrated in different countries around the world:

India

Being the birthplace of yoga, India celebrates International Yoga Day with utmost enthusiasm. The country hosts events such as workshops, mass yoga sessions and cultural performances. So far, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has actively participated in these events along with thousands of other participants.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, International Yoga Day is celebrated through large gatherings at prominent places such as Trafalgar Square and Marlborough House, organised by the Indian High Commission and wellness groups. Many events, such as guided yoga sessions, talks on yoga benefits and cultural performances, are also organised.

United States

Celebrations of International Yoga Day in the United States include large gatherings, including the iconic “Solstice in Times Square” event in New York, involving thousands of outdoor yoga sessions. The UN headquarters also hosts ceremonial events led by the Indian Mission.

Japan

In Japan, International Yoga Day is celebrated with both indoor and outdoor events organised by the Indian Embassy and local yoga groups. These events consist of activities such as breathing exercises, guided yoga sessions and cultural performances. Popular venues include Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple in Tokyo, as well as scenic spots such as Mount Fuji.

Impact of World International Yoga Day

The impact of World International Yoga Day is seen worldwide through events, workshops and yoga sessions. From educational institutions to corporate offices, the celebrations are organised everywhere. 

These events not only promote the physical and mental benefits of yoga but also encourage a sense of unity. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the role of yoga in addressing lifestyle-related issues and enhancing overall well-being. 

Over the years, the celebrations have led to the inclusion of yoga into public health programs, extracurricular activities and workplace wellness initiatives. 

How Can You Celebrate International Yoga Day?

International Yoga Day revolves around raising awareness around Yoga and making it a part of your daily routine. Here are several ways in which you can celebrate Yoga Day:

• Join a Yoga Session: One of the best ways to celebrate Yoga Day is to participate in community yoga events, online classes, group sessions held in schools, parks and wellness centres.
• Practice at Home: Start by practising short yoga sessions early in the morning. Even short breathing exercises, stretching and meditation can help you feel more connected to the present moment.
• Attend a Workshop or Seminar: Expand your existing knowledge about yoga by attending workshops and seminars conducted on Yoga Day. Tell your family and friends about them and ask them to accompany you.
• Spread Awareness: Leverage social media platforms to share the benefits of yoga through quotes, photos or personal stories.

Lead a Better Life With Yoga

With life becoming busier than usual, lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension cannot be avoided. But it can be managed with the help of yoga sessions. Starting your morning with short yoga sessions can reduce your risk of obesity and help you manage other diseases effectively. It also helps in reducing the stress levels our body experiences every day. Although yoga supports a healthier lifestyle, it’s also wise to secure your future by investing in health insurance, ensuring you’re prepared for any sudden medical needs.

>> Also Read: Yoga Benefits for the Heart Patients

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential when purchasing health insurance. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to confirm the details of your health concerns.