On June 21, 2025, India will host the 11th International Yoga Day (IDY), a global celebration of an ancient practice that has become a cornerstone of holistic wellness. This year’s event, themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” aims to unite millions in a shared pursuit of health and harmony. Leading the charge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will guide a massive Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with an estimated 5 lakh participants, marking one of the largest coordinated yoga demonstrations in history. Across the nation, over 1 lakh locations will host Yoga Sangam sessions, amplifying the event’s scale and impact. Preparations are in full swing to make this a historic milestone, reflecting India’s commitment to promoting yoga as a way of life.
The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) is orchestrating this ambitious endeavor, building on a decade of global yoga advocacy. Since the United Nations General Assembly adopted June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014, following Modi’s proposal, the event has grown into a worldwide movement. From New Delhi’s inaugural celebration in 2015 to iconic sessions in Mysore, New York, and Srinagar, IDY has united diverse cultures in pursuit of health, peace, and unity. This year, the ministry aims to elevate the celebration further, with over 50,000 organizations already registered to host Yoga Sangam events, including schools, NGOs, corporations, and government bodies. Rajasthan leads with over 11,000 registered organizations, setting a benchmark for collective participation.
Visakhapatnam is poised to etch its name in the Guinness World Records with the “YogaAndhra 2025” initiative, targeting 5 lakh participants, including at least 2.5 lakh performing yoga simultaneously across venues like RK Beach, Rushikonda Beach, school grounds, and navy premises. The Andhra Pradesh government, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, is mobilizing resources to ensure a seamless event, with arrangements for stages, electricity, and public address systems to facilitate synchronized yoga sessions. Naidu emphasized the state’s ambition to set a global standard, noting Modi’s role in elevating yoga’s international recognition. The event will surpass Surat’s 2023 Guinness record of 1.53 lakh participants, showcasing India’s organizational prowess and commitment to wellness.
The theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” aligns with India’s G20 Presidency vision of global health and echoes the Sanskrit phrase *Sarve Santu Niramaya*—may all be free from disease. This ethos underscores yoga’s role as a drugless, scientifically grounded system that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The Ministry of AYUSH has curated ten signature events over a 100-day lead-up to IDY 2025, engaging diverse societal segments through initiatives like Yoga Samvaad for inclusivity and Yoga Bandhan for international partnerships. Events in Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Nashik, and Puducherry have already generated significant public enthusiasm, with 100-day, 75-day, 50-day, and 25-day programs building momentum.
Globally, over 60 countries are organizing activities aligned with the 2025 theme, reflecting yoga’s universal appeal. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) hosted a webinar to mobilize educational institutions, encouraging students and faculty to join Yoga Sangam, reinforcing yoga’s integration into modern academic settings. The ministry’s strategy includes partnerships with state governments, civil society, and international stakeholders to ensure inclusive participation. Citizens and organizations can register via the AYUSH website to host local events and receive certificates of appreciation, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
The “YogaAndhra” campaign aims to cultivate 10 lakh regular yoga practitioners in Andhra Pradesh, promoting yoga as a daily practice for mindful living. Media outlets have been urged to amplify this message, with competitions organized to engage participants and secure front-row spots at the Visakhapatnam event. The ministry’s decade-long journey has transformed yoga from a traditional practice into a global wellness movement, with IDY 2025 poised to be its most ambitious iteration yet.
As preparations intensify, the focus remains on yoga’s transformative power. Beyond asanas and breathing exercises, yoga is a lifestyle that fosters harmony and resilience. The 11th International Yoga Day is not just a celebration but a call to integrate yoga into daily life, creating a healthier, happier, and more harmonious world. With Visakhapatnam as the epicenter and Yoga Sangam sessions spanning over 1 lakh locations, India is set to lead the largest coordinated yoga demonstration in history, inspiring millions to embrace wellness and unity.
