International Yoga Day 2025: Celebrated in Visakhapatnam

Context:
The 11th International Day of Yoga was observed on June 21, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national-level celebration from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The event witnessed large-scale participation and was marked by yoga demonstrations across India and Indian missions abroad.

Key Highlights

• The central event was held at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam, where the Prime Minister participated in a mass yoga session.
• The International Day of Yoga 2025 emphasized yoga’s role in stress management, holistic health, and mental well-being.
• Over 190 countries marked the occasion through Indian embassies, consulates, and local yoga organizations.
• Various ministries, schools, defence forces, and yoga institutions across India organized synchronized yoga demonstrations.

Background

• The International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.
• The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on 21 June 2015.
• The date was chosen as 21 June is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, symbolizing energy and light.

Relevance for UPSC

Prelims:

• UN recognition of International Yoga Day
• Year of inception: 2015
• Role of the Ministry of AYUSH
• 2025 venue: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Mains (GS Paper 2 & 4):

• Yoga as a tool for preventive healthcare and wellness
• Cultural diplomacy and India’s soft power
• Integrating traditional practices in public health
• Yoga and emotional well-being post-pandemic

Sample MCQ

Q. Why is June 21 celebrated as International Yoga Day?
A. It is the birthday of Swami Vivekananda
B. It marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere
C. It commemorates the adoption of yoga in the Indian Constitution
D. It coincides with Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa

Answer: B

Explanation:
June 21 is the summer solstice, the longest day in the northern hemisphere, symbolizing vitality and alignment with nature. It was proposed by PM Modi and adopted by the UN in 2014.