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UN hosts International Day of Yoga event attended by 800 participants
The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations marked the 12th International Day of Yoga at UN Headquarters in New York.
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Ankita Baidya - Fri, 19, Jun 2026
- 05:51 EDT
- 23
Participants take part in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebration at United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 18, 2026 / Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations
The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations hosted the 12th International Day of Yoga at UN Headquarters in New York on June 18, bringing together around 800 participants to celebrate the global observance.
This year's theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," highlighted the role of yoga in promoting physical vitality, mental resilience and emotional well-being across all stages of life.
Also Read: World Bank hosts Yoga day event in Washington
In his opening remarks, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, emphasized yoga's growing global appeal and described it as a practice that promotes physical, mental and spiritual well-being across cultures, geographies and faiths. He noted that yoga is rooted in India's ancient traditions and reflects the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or "the world is one family."
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a special message for the occasion, saying that yoga teaches mindfulness, respect and care for humanity, the planet and one another.
The event also featured Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, described by organizers as the first female and non-Indian Siddha Master. Participants took part in Common Yoga Protocol sessions and watched an advanced yoga demonstration by the Art of Living Foundation. Dennis Scotto, chair of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN, served as master of ceremonies.
The United Nations noted that yoga can support healthy ageing by improving balance, flexibility, strength and mobility through a combination of gentle movement, stretching, breathing exercises and mindfulness, while also helping manage stress and support mental well-being. The world body said these benefits align with several goals of the WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), including promoting independence, reducing fall risk and encouraging person-centered approaches to health.
The International Day of Yoga was established by the United Nations in 2014 following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the UN General Assembly. The resolution declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga was co-sponsored by a record 175 member states.
Since then, the annual observance has grown into a global event celebrated across countries and communities worldwide. Organizers noted that the 2023 International Day of Yoga celebration at UN Headquarters set a Guinness World Record for participation by people from the most nationalities.
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