International Yoga Day 2025: This international event is celebrated every year on June 21 to honour the ancient Indian practice of Yoga and raise awareness about its health benefits. Recognised by the United Nations (UN) in 2014, this global celebration highlights the physical, mental, and spiritual value of yoga. The first International Yoga Day was observed on June 21, 2015, and since then, the day has been celebrated across the globe with much enthusiasm.
International Yoga Day 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday, June 21 2025. This date holds special importance as it marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising light, energy, and strength ¨C key elements connected with the practice of yoga.
In his recent Mann Ki Baat radio address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of staying fit in everyday life. He praised efforts like the Fit India Carnival and International Yoga Day, and shared India¡¯s goal of promoting good health worldwide. He said, ¡°The theme for Yoga Day 2025 is ¡®Yoga for One Earth One Health¡¯, meaning we want to help the whole world stay healthy through yoga.¡±
The Prime Minister also spoke about a group called ¡®Somos India¡¯, which means ¡°We are India¡± in Spanish. This team has been sharing yoga and Ayurveda in Spanish-speaking countries for nearly ten years. They organise treatment camps and educational programmes, and also translate yoga and Ayurveda material into Spanish. Last year alone, about 9,000 people took part in their events and courses. The Prime Minister congratulated everyone in the team for their hard work and dedication.
As the world prepares to celebrate International Yoga Day 2025, the theme ¡°Yoga for One Earth One Health¡± has become the focus. Many events and activities are being organised around this message. The theme underlines yoga¡¯s benefits for physical health, mental peace, and care for the planet. It also supports global efforts for unity and sustainability. This year¡¯s celebration marks ten years since the United Nations officially recognised 21 June as International Yoga Day, after India proposed the idea in 2014.
During the programme, the Prime Minister also mentioned that people across the world are showing more interest in yoga and traditional Indian medicine. He said many young people are now turning to yoga and Ayurveda as great ways to stay healthy. He gave the example of Chile, a country in South America, where Ayurveda is becoming very popular. During his visit to Brazil last year, he spoke with the President of Chile, and they had a long conversation about the rising interest in Ayurveda.
The idea of celebrating a Yoga Day was proposed by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014. He highlighted the importance of yoga as a gift from ancient Indian tradition, capable of uniting mind and body, thought and action.
Following his proposal, the UN passed a resolution on 11 December 2014, declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution received massive support, with 177 countries co-sponsoring it ¨C a record in UN history. This move showcased the global acceptance and relevance of yoga as a wellness practice.
The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on June 21, 2015, with events held in major cities like New Delhi, New York, Paris, Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul.
To honour the first International Yoga Day, the Reserve Bank of India released a special Rs 10 commemorative coin in 2015. Later, in 2017, the UN Postal Administration issued 10 stamps featuring popular yoga asanas (poses), further recognising yoga's global impact.
Here is an ancient Sanskrit quote by Bhartrhari, a famous Indian poet, that beautifully describes the virtues of practising yoga:
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Meaning: Through regular yoga practice, one can develop qualities like courage (as a father), forgiveness (as a mother), peace (as a friend), truth (as a child), mercy (as a sister), and self-control (as a brother). Even the earth becomes a yogi¡¯s bed, and knowledge becomes their food. In such a state, the yogi has nothing to fear.
This quote reflects how yoga transforms not just the body, but also the soul, helping us become more grounded, wise, and compassionate human beings.
Here are some inspiring messages and quotes to share on International Yoga Day 2025:
You can use these Yoga Day quotes and messages as Instagram captions, WhatsApp status, or share them to spread awareness about the importance of yoga.
With the fast-paced lifestyle of modern times, yoga offers a natural way to reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve mental clarity. As the world continues to face physical and emotional challenges, yoga serves as a powerful tool to bring harmony between the mind, body, and nature.
International Yoga Day 2025 is more than just a celebration ¨C it's a global reminder to embrace a healthier and more peaceful way of living. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this is the perfect time to start or deepen your yoga journey.
So on June 21, 2025, roll out your yoga mat, take a deep breath, and reconnect with your inner self. Let this Yoga Day inspire a lifetime of well-being and balance.
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