Indian diplomatic missions across the globe marked the 12th International Day of Yoga with large-scale celebrations, bringing together thousands of yoga enthusiasts under this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
In London, the High Commission of India organised a special yoga session at the Strand, where High Commissioner P. Kumaran highlighted yoga’s growing relevance in today’s fast-paced world. He described yoga as a timeless practice that promotes physical vitality, mental resilience and holistic well-being across all age groups. The event showcased different yoga traditions and reinforced the message of healthy and balanced living.
In Fiji’s capital, Suva, India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta joined members of the local community for a yoga session held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, celebrating the global appeal of the ancient Indian practice.
Shanghai witnessed one of the largest overseas celebrations, with nearly 400 participants gathering at the Bund Finance Center (BFC). Hosted by Consul General Pratik Mathur, the event brought together diplomats, academics, members of the Indian diaspora, yoga practitioners and friends of India. Speaking on the occasion, Mathur described yoga as India’s gift to the world, emphasizing its role in promoting holistic health, mental well-being and active ageing.
The Shanghai programme also highlighted India’s cultural heritage through a Manipuri dance performance, an Indian classical music recital by flautist Rajat Prasanna, and a comprehensive yoga session featuring breathing exercises, meditation and asanas. A special attraction was the launch of a book by former United Nations Resident Coordinator Siddharth Chatterjee, who spoke about yoga’s transformative impact on personal health and preventive healthcare.
In Brunei Darussalam, members of the diplomatic community, Bruneian citizens, Friends of India and the Indian diaspora participated in a yoga session led by Dr. Ujjwal Arun Maske. High Commissioner Ramu Abbagani said yoga helps people remain mentally strong, confident and balanced while fostering both physical health and inner happiness. The event also featured an Ayurveda corner and honoured winners of yoga competitions and dedicated volunteers.
The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh organised a yoga session attended by yoga enthusiasts, cultural personalities, members of the Indian diaspora and distinguished citizens from across Bangladeshi society, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga beyond India’s borders.
In Sri Lanka, hundreds gathered at Colombo’s Independence Square for a yoga session organised by the High Commission of India. The event was attended by ministers, parliamentarians, senior government representatives and yoga enthusiasts from across the country, highlighting the shared commitment to wellness and healthy living.
Japan also recorded an impressive turnout despite rainy weather. More than 2,100 participants assembled at the historic Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple in Tokyo, where India’s Ambassador Nagma Mallick joined yoga enthusiasts in celebrating the occasion. Organisers praised the enthusiastic participation, noting that the event’s spirit remained undeterred by the rain.
The International Day of Yoga has been observed globally every year on June 21 since 2015, following the adoption of a United Nations resolution proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and supported by 175 member states. The annual observance seeks to spread awareness about yoga’s benefits for physical fitness, mental wellness and holistic health, with this year’s celebrations once again demonstrating its universal appeal across cultures and continents.
With inputs from IANS