On June 21, the world came together once again to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga, an annual occasion that highlights the transformative power of yoga for both body and mind.
From bustling metropolises to remote villages, yoga mats were unrolled in parks, stadiums, and open grounds across continents, reaffirming that this ancient Indian practice has truly become a universal language of wellness and unity.
In a spectacular display of collective spirit, India set a new Guinness World Record for the largest yoga gathering in a single location, as over 3 lakh participants joined together for a mass yoga session in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Citizens began arriving as early as 2 AM, demonstrating the immense enthusiasm and commitment to the practice of yoga. An official count recorded 302,087 participants, creating a powerful symbol of unity, discipline, and well-being.
The event also featured another world record — this time by 22,122 tribal students who performed the largest synchronised Surya Namaskar (sun salutations), showcasing how yoga is reaching even the most underserved communities.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu praised the seamless coordination of departments and the overwhelming public participation.
He called it a landmark moment for public health promotion and a shining example of how yoga can mobilize communities in pursuit of wellness.
At the heart of the event was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who led the yoga session in Visakhapatnam and reflected on the deeper relevance of yoga in today’s world.
“In an age of growing global tension and unrest, yoga is our path to peace,” he said. “It is the pause button humanity desperately needs — to breathe, to balance, and to reconnect with itself.”
Since its inception in 2015, when PM Modi proposed the idea at the United Nations, International Yoga Day has grown into a truly global movement.
Today, millions across over 180 countries observe the day with enthusiasm, joining hands in pursuit of physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual calm.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, underscores the profound link between individual well-being and planetary health. It’s a timely reminder that a healthier planet begins with healthier individuals, a nd yoga offers a holistic path toward that goal.
Yoga, rooted in India’s ancient wisdom, is more than just a physical exercise. It is a lifestyle — one that nurtures flexibility, strength, mindfulness, and emotional resilience.
Regular practice helps lower stress, improve concentration, boost immunity, and promote emotional balance.
Across the globe, yoga has become a powerful tool for mental health, especially in post-pandemic times, helping people cope with anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty.
Schools, workplaces, hospitals, and even prisons are increasingly integrating yoga to foster well-being and inner harmony.
From the Himalayan foothills to the streets of New York, from the sands of the Middle East to the shores of Japan, yoga continues to inspire, heal, and unite.
On this 11th International Day of Yoga, may we embrace its timeless wisdom and carry its message of peace, health, and oneness — not just for ourselves, but for the world.
