Indian missions across the globe marked the 11th International Yoga Day with great zeal and participation on June 21. From Times Square in New York to cities in Africa, and from London to Beijing, thousands gathered to celebrate yoga, the ancient Indian practice symbolizing unity, peace, and wellness.
Mass yoga sessions were held in countries including the US, Russia, UK, France, China, Japan, Australia, and Qatar. At the UN Headquarters in New York, yoga guru Deepak Chopra led a meditation session with over 1,200 participants. Ambassador P. Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said this year’s theme, “One Earth, One Health,” echoes the Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. A special message from King Charles III was read out during the London event, while in Juba, South Sudan, the Indian Embassy’s celebration saw involvement from UN peacekeepers and local citizens alike.
Guwahati also witnessed growing interest in yoga-related products and wellness services. Local gyms and yoga studios reported a spike in inquiries, and shops offering mats, herbal supplements, and ayurvedic items saw a 20% rise in sales, highlighting the commercial impact of Yoga Day on the region’s wellness economy. International Yoga Day, proposed by PM Narendra Modi and adopted by the UN in 2014, continues to unite the world in a celebration of health and harmony.