Kathmandu — The 11th International Day of Yoga was marked across Nepal with a series of vibrant and thoughtfully organized events, underscoring the deep cultural, spiritual, and health-related significance of yoga. The Embassy of India in Kathmandu, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Birgunj, orchestrated a nationwide celebration spanning ten key cities and municipalities, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini, Lamjung, Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Rautahat, and Bariyarpur.

Aligned with this year’s evocative theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the celebrations began with a curtain-raiser event at the revered Pashupatinath Temple on April 7, 2025, symbolizing a 75-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga. This inauguration set the tone for a cascade of activities—ranging from yoga sessions with ex-servicemen of the Indian Army at the ECHS Polyclinic in Kathmandu to yoga demonstrations involving personnel from the Nepal Army at their headquarters grounds. These early engagements reflected the unifying power of yoga, transcending professions and communities.

Throughout the preceding months, yoga posture demonstrations were held at six UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas, Changu Narayan Temple, and Patan Durbar Square. These events drew enthusiastic participation from yoga practitioners, members of the Indian diaspora, local residents, and notable Nepali personalities, highlighting the cultural resonance yoga holds in Nepalese society.

Educational outreach was a significant aspect of the celebrations. On June 13, more than 150 students from various Kathmandu schools gathered at Kendriya Vidyalaya to engage in yoga sessions complemented by insightful discussions on the benefits of “Saatvik Aahar” — a traditional Indian approach to mindful and wholesome eating. This initiative aimed to inspire the younger generation toward holistic wellness rooted in ancient wisdom.

Collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) brought yoga into the realm of sustainable development discourse, with a session at their Kathmandu headquarters emphasizing the interplay between health and environmental stewardship.

Regional celebrations embraced the diversity of Nepal’s landscapes and communities. A yoga demonstration in Lamjung, organized with the support of Madhya Nepal Municipality, showcased local enthusiasm. Meanwhile, in Pokhara, yoga was practiced against breathtaking backdrops at Sarangkot viewpoint, the Shiva Temple at Pumdikot, and the tranquil Shanti Stupa atop Anadu Hill. A large-scale yoga and meditation gathering by the shores of Lake Phewa attracted over 500 participants, weaving together the serenity of nature with the introspective depth of yoga practice.

Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, hosted a prominent event with over 500 yoga enthusiasts. The presence of Lumbini’s Honorable Governor Krishna Bahadur Gharti and Nepal’s Minister of Youth and Sports Teju Lal Chaudhary lent significant gravitas to the occasion. Governor Gharti expressed profound appreciation for the Embassy of India’s efforts in nurturing cultural ties through yoga, recognizing its role in reinforcing the shared heritage between India and Nepal. Ambassador Naveen Srivastava highlighted yoga’s universal appeal and its capacity to promote mindful, healthy, and sustainable lifestyles. Minister Chaudhary echoed gratitude for the event’s contribution to fostering wellness and unity.

The crescendo of Nepal’s International Day of Yoga festivities unfolded on June 21 at Pokhara’s Rangsala Stadium, where over 7,000 yoga practitioners convened for an expansive yoga demonstration in collaboration with the Pokhara Metropolitan City. The event was graced by the Honorable Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, and Pokhara’s Mayor, Dhanraj Acharya. Chief Minister Pandey acknowledged the Embassy of India’s remarkable role in hosting such a large-scale celebration, emphasizing yoga as an enduring symbol of the profound cultural bonds between Nepal and India. Ambassador Srivastava reiterated yoga’s role as a vibrant cultural bridge, and the Mayor expressed appreciation for initiatives that position Pokhara as Nepal’s premier tourism hub.

Beyond the major urban centers, the Indian Consulate General also facilitated yoga events in Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Rautahat, and Bariyarpur, ensuring the spirit of International Yoga Day permeated across the country.

These celebrations collectively emphasized the transformative power of yoga—not only as a practice for physical health and mental clarity but also as a catalyst for cultural harmony and environmental mindfulness. The Embassy of India reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and promoting holistic well-being through such meaningful exchanges.

As Nepal continues to embrace yoga’s timeless wisdom, citizens are warmly invited to participate in upcoming events, including the grand yoga demonstration at Pokhara’s Rangsala Stadium tomorrow. This gathering offers a unique opportunity to experience unity in diversity, nurture personal health, and contribute to a collective journey toward a healthier, more harmonious world. Engaging in yoga is more than an exercise—it is an embrace of a lifestyle that honors our planet, our communities, and ourselves.

The unfolding story of yoga in Nepal is one of renewal and connection, inspiring all to step onto the mat and into a future where well-being and cultural respect flourish hand in hand.