Indian embassies and missions across the world are holding celebrations as the countdown to the 12th International Yoga Day begins, drawing in thousands of practitioners and enthusiasts globally.
Celebrations in Beijing
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in China shared glimpses from the celebration in Beijing where scores of people actively participated in the yoga session. The embassy posted, "Mats rolled out, movement in flow, mindfulness in focus - more glimpses from the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Beijing, organised by the Embassy of India."
Japan and Oman Events
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Japan announced that it would hold the celebrations on Sunday at the Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple and invited people to come over as they engage in the ancient practice synchronizing harmony between the body, mind, and soul. In Oman, Ambassador Prashant Pise invited members of the Indian community and friends of India to the Yoga Day celebrations at the embassy on June 21.
Yoga Event in Nepal
Earlier on Saturday, the Indian Embassy in Nepal, in coordination with the Lumbini Development Trust and BP Koirala India Nepal Foundation, organised a Yoga Day event attended by senior officials and hundreds of yoga enthusiasts.
Russian Embassy Participation
In India, the Russian Embassy in New Delhi hosted a session on Yoga ahead of the International Yoga Day celebrations, with a senior diplomat sharing how the ancient practice has gained immense popularity across Russia.
Background and Theme
The United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga on December 11, 2014, following the proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address at the opening of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014. This ushered in an era of holistic health revolution, emphasizing prevention over cure. Since its first edition in 2015, India has led the celebration globally under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, with active support from state governments, Indian missions abroad, and UN agencies. The year 2026 marks the 12th International Yoga Day, with the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," highlighting the role of yoga in helping people remain active, independent, and engaged across all age groups.
