International Yoga Day 2025 celebrations marked a momentous occasion across the globe as thousands came together to honor the timeless practice of yoga. From the iconic streets of New York’s Times Square to the sunlit shores of Visakhapatnam, Yoga Day 2025 celebrations radiated unity, peace, and wellness—emphasizing this year’s resonant theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
Yoga Takes Over Times Square, New York
At the heart of Manhattan, the Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with the Times Square Alliance, hosted the 11th International Day of Yoga at the bustling Times Square. The event, popularly known as “Solstice at Times Square”, drew an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 10,000 participants. Individuals from different nationalities and age groups took part in seven yoga sessions throughout the day, highlighting the truly global appeal of Yoga Day 2025 celebrations.
Anupam Kher Brings Star Power to the Event
Adding star power to the event, celebrated Indian actor Anupam Kher graced the occasion and shared his deep personal connection with yoga. “I’m extremely happy to be at the world’s most iconic place, Times Square, on the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day, initiated by our beloved Prime Minister 11 years back. My grandfather was a yoga teacher, so I’ve seen that happening all my life,” said Kher. He underlined the significance of yoga for both physical and mental health.
Anupam Kher (Photo/Instagram@anupampkher)
Taking to Instagram, Kher further expressed his appreciation for the invitation, stating, “It was my privilege and my honour to be there for #Bharat for the 11th #InternationalYogaDay at the iconic #TimeSquare in New York! Thank you @indiainnewyork @binaysrikant76 ji for inviting me to this highly prestigious event. It was wonderful to practice #Yog in this great environment! Jai Hind!”
Consul General Highlights Yoga’s Holistic Benefits
The Consul General, speaking at the event, stressed the holistic and transformative power of yoga, calling it a practice that brings not only well-being to individuals but also nurtures a deeper connection with nature and the Earth. This aligns with the 2025 theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” a message that underscores the interconnectedness of planetary and human health.
Yoga Day Celebrations Across the United States
The Yoga Day 2025 celebrations in New York were part of a broader month-long initiative organized by the Indian Consulate, which spanned multiple U.S. states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Connecticut. These events witnessed massive local engagement and brought together yoga communities from various cultural backgrounds.
India Joins the Global Celebration with Equal Enthusiasm
Meanwhile, back in India, the spirit of Yoga Day 2025 celebrations was equally alive. In Mumbai, veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra reflected on yoga’s powerful role in both personal and global wellness. In an interview with ANI, the legendary ‘Sholay’ star shared how yoga had shaped his life and how it represents India’s ancient wisdom.
Dharmendra (Photo/ANI)
Dharmendra Reflects on India’s Ancient Yoga Tradition
“I think Modi ji started it, and before that, Ramdev ji also began this movement. Many people from other countries wanted to patent it, but it didn’t happen. This is our civilisation, our culture, which has been going on for centuries,” said Dharmendra. He emphasized yoga as a vital cure for several diseases, especially breathing-related issues, and reiterated the old adage: “Health is wealth.”
At 80+, Dharmendra continues to embody vitality. “Many people call me old, but I am still young,” he said smiling. He credited his mental and physical strength to a lifestyle rooted in discipline and holistic practices like yoga. He recounted his early dreams and self-reflections that inspired his lifelong commitment to health.
Dharmendra (Photo/ANI)
PM Modi Leads Massive Yoga Gathering in Visakhapatnam
In one of the largest mass yoga events, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a sunrise yoga session on the serene coastline of Visakhapatnam. Over 300,000 people participated alongside him, making the event a historic gathering in the spirit of Yoga Day 2025 celebrations.
PM Modi, addressing the crowd, called yoga a “gift beyond age” and one that “unites humanity across all boundaries.” He emphasized that yoga is for everyone—irrespective of age, nationality, or fitness level—and hailed it as an essential practice to foster harmony in both body and society. His remarks deeply resonated with the theme of the year, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
The Global Journey of International Yoga Day
Since its inception in 2015, following a historic United Nations resolution proposed by India in 2014, Yoga Day 2025 celebrations have evolved into a global wellness movement. Observed annually on June 21—coinciding with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere—International Yoga Day continues to carry forward the values of balance, peace, and unity that yoga teaches.
Expanding Global Footprint of Yoga
This year’s events, especially the grand showcase in Times Square and the coastal gathering in Visakhapatnam, not only elevated the scale of the celebration but also reflected yoga’s expanding global footprint. From Hollywood celebrities to Indian statesmen, yoga continues to connect the world under one cultural thread.
Widespread Participation in India and Beyond
The Yoga Day 2025 celebrations also saw large community participation in yoga camps, workshops, and health talks across major Indian cities, embassies abroad, and even remote rural areas. Schools, colleges, wellness centers, and corporate offices observed the day with meditation sessions and wellness initiatives.
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