The International Day of Yoga is celebrated every year on 21st June and, while it is a symbolic day of celebration, it’s a global movement to help provide physical health, mental peace and spiritual healing. In 2025, this globally celebrated day will be on its 11th global initiative, and with it brings a new commitment to individual wellness and planetary wellness.
Yoga comes from the ancient philosophies of India and while it is an ancient practice, it has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon with the benefits of Yoga transcending cultures, countries and beliefs. The 2025 theme for International Yoga Day expresses this global element.
Background: How International Yoga Day Started
The concept of dedicating a day to Yoga was put forward by India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 27th September 2014. Prime Minister Modi noted the potential of yoga to effect change beyond boundaries, and the UNGA adopted 21st June as the International Day of Yoga on 11th December 2014.
The date of 21st June was chosen as this is the Summer Solstice – the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, which secured connotations of light, awakening and consciousness which are central to the Yogic tradition.
There have been millions of people throughout the world that have acknowledged the importance of Yoga Day as a culmination of personal choices of different Yoga disciplines as a way to live ultimately- as opposed to seeking the aspect of Yoga as purely an exercise regimen.
Theme of International Yoga Day 2025:
The official theme for International Yoga Day 2025 is: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”
This theme emphasizes the links between human health, and the health of the planet we live on. The current world faces many issues – climate change, a mental health crisis, sedentary lifestyles, to name a few. The message is clear – when humans are not in harmony with nature, they cannot be truly well.
Significance of Yoga in the Contemporary World
In the fast-paced world we live, stress, anxiety and chronic illness is on the rise. Yoga is a natural, holistic treatment to improve not only physical capacity through strength and flexibility, but also mental clarity, emotional balance, and inner peace.
Some of the key contributions of Yoga to global health,
• Physical and respiratory health, and immunity.
• Mental health and emotional resilience.
• Decreased lifestyle diseases: Hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
• Mindfulness and conscious awareness of oneself in the environment.
Yoga is open to all people, regardless of social, economic or religious background. Yoga is a science of life that can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, at any age.
