International Yoga Day LIVE: From Kanyakumari to Siachen, yoga 'mania' grips nation

Sikkim celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok on Saturday morning (June 21), with Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang among others participating in the event.

The speaker and the deputy speaker of the Legislative Assembly, cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior government officials also took part in the programme.

Mathur extended his warm greetings to the people on the occasion.

“The global celebration of Yoga reflects the unique identity and ancient wisdom of our nation. What was envisioned and nurtured in India centuries ago has now transcended borders and become a part of daily life for millions across the world. India’s most valuable contribution to the holistic well-being of humanity is honoured through this day, and the country takes immense pride in celebrating it,” the governor said.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, Mathur said, “This echoes the spirit of unity that India truly exemplifies with its diversity and wellness for all.”

Chief Minister Tamang said this year’s theme beautifully underscores yoga’s transformative power, not only in nurturing personal well-being but also in fostering collective harmony and ecological balance.

He described yoga as a “timeless and holistic discipline” that unites the “physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of health,” and offers a “sustainable, natural path to inner peace, resilience, and an improved quality of life.”

Malayalee actor Mohanlal launched an anti-drug campaign - Be a Hero - which will be a year-long initiative that will be carried out by his Viswasanthi Foundation in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau.

The actor said that the campaign was being launched on Yoga Day as the discipline helps to ensure good mental and physical health, which are interconnected.

He said that drugs destroy both mental and physical health, and their victims are usually found among the younger generation.

"We should not allow our younger generation to fall victim to it. For that, each of us has to become a superhero. In this fight, each of us is a hero trying to protect the state from the spread and use of drugs," the actor said.

Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi on Saturday (June 21) said that yoga should be made a habit as it is the only way to ensure good health, which is a necessity for the country to become strong.

The Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism was speaking to reporters in Kochi after attending an International Yoga Day event in the morning. Gopi also urged people to spread yoga across the world.

"It (yoga) should be made a habit. To ensure good health, which is necessary for the nation to become stronger, it is the only way. Spread it. Let it spread across the world," he said.

Yoga's timeless wisdom has transcended borders to unite humanity in wellness and harmony, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Saturday (June 21).

In his message to mark the International Day of Yoga, he said the ancient practice is India's gift to the world that brings peace, strength and unity to millions around the globe.

"Rooted in India's 5,000-year civilisational heritage, yoga's timeless wisdom has transcended borders to unite humanity in wellness and harmony," Dhankhar said on X.

From the icy heights of Siachen Glacier to naval ships anchored in Visakhapatnam, the Indian armed forces on Saturday (June 21) observed the International Day of Yoga across the country, reaffirming their commitment to discipline and inner strength.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the celebrations in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, accompanied by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.

"There was a time when yoga was considered limited to saints and seers. But today, people are performing Surya Namaskar on mats from New York’s Times Square to lawns near the Eiffel Tower. Is it less than a miracle?" Singh said. This is the "rising soft power" of India, and yoga has become its "strongest ambassador", he added.

A senior Army official said Yoga Day was celebrated with great fervour and spirit across the country. From the edges of Pangong Tso lake to Port Blair, and from Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh to the Rann of Kachchh, soldiers performed yoga, embracing the ancient Indian practice as a tool for physical, mental and emotional resilience, the official said.

The Army Chief’s presence at the Udhampur event underscored the importance of yoga in "enhancing combat readiness and stress management among troops," he said.

In Delhi, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani performed yoga with troops and families at Cariappa Parade Ground, joined by more than 3,400 participants including defence attaches from 25 countries, NCC cadets and school students.

In Visakhapatnam, Indian Navy personnel participated in the main yoga day celebrations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sessions were held along the RK Beach and onboard Navy ships anchored nearby.

The Indian Coast Guard also held a 'Yoga Sangam' event at its Noida complex in collaboration with Yog Vandana Institute. Similar sessions were conducted at stations along India’s coast and island regions.

Indian Army personnel deployed on United Nations peacekeeping missions and with military training teams abroad also marked the occasion with yoga sessions. Indian troops participating in the multilateral exercise 'Khaan Quest' in Mongolia and the bilateral exercise 'Shakti' in France conducted yoga with fellow international soldiers, reflecting India’s cultural outreach.

These widespread celebrations reflect the Indian Army’s belief in the motto 'Yoga Karmasu Kaushalam' (Yoga is excellence in action), and its resolve to incorporate yoga into the daily regimen of personnel.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday (June 21) said yoga day being celebrated across the world is India's big achievement and a matter of pride.

Gadkari participated in an event organised on the occasion of International Yoga Day by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, district administration and Union Cultural Ministry at Yashwant Stadium in Nagpur.

Talking to reporters, Gadkari said, "Practising yoga every day will benefit one's health. I am happy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a proposal to the UN for International Yoga Day, which is being celebrated around the world on a grand scale. It is a big achievement and a matter of pride for us."

The Minister for Road Transport and Highway performed yoga, and all participants took an oath of de-addiction at the event.

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday (June 21) described yoga as a shining example of India’s soft power and said it has now become a shared legacy of entire mankind.

Addressing a programme in Dehradun at the police lines on the occasion of yoga day, the President said that ever since the United Nations adopted India’s proposal in 2015 to observe June 21 as the International Day of Yoga (IDY), most countries across the world have made yoga a part of their daily lives and are benefitting from it.

"It has now become a shared legacy of the entire mankind," she said.

Citing examples of yoga’s growing international popularity, she mentioned Kuwaiti yoga practitioner Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al Sabah, who was conferred with the Padma Shri by the government of India for promoting yoga and unifying cultures through it.

"Yoga is not connected with any religion, sect or community. It is an art of leading a healthy life," the President said, appealing to everyone to embrace it as a daily practice for mental and physical well-being.

She said yoga is effective in preventing lifestyle diseases, boosting immunity, and connecting the mind, body and soul.

Murmu concluded her three-day visit to Uttarakhand on Saturday. Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General (retd) Gurmit Singh, who also attended the event, said yoga is India’s priceless gift to the world.

"India is already playing its role as the 'Vishwa Guru' in the form of yoga," he said.

State Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal was also present at the event where a large number of people from different walks of life performed yoga asanas.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday (June 21) emphasised the timeless value of yoga as India's gift to the world and described it as a "path to harmony, discipline and inner peace".

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, he urged people to embrace it as a way of life for physical well-being and mental clarity.

Hundreds of people on Saturday participated in the International Day of Yoga celebrations across Manipur, with the state-level event being held at the Indoor Stadium at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

Bhalla, Chief Secretary PK Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh and other senior officials attended the event.

In a post on X, the Raj Bhavan said, "On the occasion of World Yoga Day, Hon'ble Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, extends heartfelt greetings to the people of the state. He emphasises the timeless value of yoga as India's gift to the world, a path to harmony, discipline, and inner peace. Let us all embrace yoga as a way of life for physical well-being and mental clarity."

Certified yoga instructor and Manipur University Associate Professor K Mukta told PTI, "Yoga celebrates the ancient practice which brings harmony to body, mind, and soul. The day is being observed at different localities and institutions. We are also organising a workshop on yoga at Manipur International University at Ghari."

BJP's state functionaries and several party legislators also observed the day at its headquarters in Imphal. The yoga day was also celebrated at several localities across the state capital, Imphal and Manipur University.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday (June 21) said the state government is taking initiatives to include yoga in the school curriculum and public health programme as this helps create a healthy, self-reliant, and efficient India.

Addressing a state-level programme on the occasion of International Yoga Day at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, he said yoga is not just a physical exercise but something that keeps the body, mind, and soul active.

The programme, organised by Odisha’s Sports and Youth Affairs Department, was attended by over 10,000 people, including ministers, lawmakers, bureaucrats, students, women and others.

“In Odisha, we are making yoga available to everyone. We organise awareness campaigns on yoga in schools, colleges, hostels and sporting centres. We can also include yoga in school curriculum and public health programmes,” the chief minister said.

Majhi said that the awareness programmes on yoga teach people to maintain a healthy life.

Though yoga has been practised in India for many years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured its international recognition after assuming charge as the PM in 2014, he said. Due to the PM's efforts, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Yoga Day, he said.

“Yoga is a medium to attain physical, intellectual, mental and spiritual fulfilment. It is beneficial for human bodies," he said.

On this occasion, the traditional Gotipu dance was performed by the culture department.

Internationally-acclaimed sand artist Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a sand sculpture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing Ustrasana (Camel Pose) on the Puri sea beach.

The International Day of Yoga was celebrated across West Bengal on Saturday (June 21) with participants from all walks of life performing “asanas” at public parks and community grounds.

In Kolkata, early morning sessions were organised at several localities, including Rabindra Sarobar, Eco Park, and the grounds near Victoria Memorial.

Despite light showers in some areas, a large number of yoga enthusiasts, senior citizens, school students, and office-goers participated in the yoga sessions.

In Siliguri and other parts of north Bengal, yoga events were held at tea gardens, schools, and on the banks of the Mahananda river. Yoga was practised in areas with the picturesque backdrop of the hills in Darjeeling.

In rural areas, local clubs and self-help groups conducted community yoga events, often accompanied by awareness drives on health and wellness. Several private schools and colleges also observed the day with practice sessions and talks by yoga instructors.

While the West Bengal government did not organise any centralised event, various departments supported local-level programmes through civic bodies and educational institutions.

The International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on June 21. This year's theme is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'.