International Day of Yoga highlights healthy ageing at Tokyo temple and New York Times Square

International Day of Yoga events took place worldwide on Sunday, with large public sessions in major cities. The annual observance fell on June 21 and has been held globally since 2014. This year’s theme was Yoga for Healthy Ageing. Organisers linked the sessions to fitness, mental strength, and long-term well-being.

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In Japan, the Indian Embassy held a programme at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple. More than 2,100 people attended despite rain. The embassy used the motto "Yoga together, rain or shine!\". In the United States, participants from many nationalities gathered at Times Square in New York for the observance.

International Day of Yoga events highlight Yoga for Healthy Ageing

In the UK, India’s High Commissioner P Kumaran joined yoga practice at Holland Park in central London. Several diaspora members and local practitioners took part in the session. Hundreds followed instructors on stage during very hot weather. Kumaran said, \"It is heartening to see that the reach of yoga is spreading gradually,\".

Germany also reported weather challenges during its International Day of Yoga session. The Indian Embassy in Berlin, working with Art of Living, hosted more than 500 participants near the Brandenburg Gate. The embassy noted that thunderstorms did not stop the practice. Participants continued with enthusiasm, it said, during the public session.

In Russia, celebrations took place at Universitetskaya Square at Lomonosov Moscow State University. The Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre and the Moscow City Government worked together on the event. Hundreds joined a mass practice of the Common Yoga Protocol. Mr. Bhup Singh Thakur led the session as a yoga teacher.

China’s programme in Shanghai drew around 400 people at the Bund Finance Centre. Diplomats, academics, yoga practitioners and members of the Indian diaspora attended. Consul General Pratik Mathur called yoga India’s gift to the world. Mathur also stressed its role in holistic health, mental well-being, and active ageing.

International Day of Yoga gatherings expand across cities for Yoga for Healthy Ageing

In Australia, a large group met at Old Parliament House in Canberra. The High Commission of India said the one-hour session was guided by Yoga Australia CEO Josh Pryor. The post described the session as \"a rare moment of calm, mindfulness,\". It added, \"A wonderful reminder that yoga is not just exercise-it is a way of life that nurtures both body and mind,\".

In Singapore, hundreds took part, including a Minister of State and members of the Indian diaspora. Dr Shilpak Ambule spoke about the country’s approach to multiculturalism and wellness. Ambule said, \"Singapore, with its strong commitment to multiculturalism, wellness, and sustainable development, has embraced yoga with enthusiasm and inclusivity,\".

In New Zealand, people from Kiwi, Indian, and other ethnic communities joined the event. The programme took place at the High Commission of India premises. It was held with Heartfulness and Art of Living Foundation NZ. The Indian mission posted, \"Celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm in collaboration with Heartfulness and Art of Living Foundation NZ at the HCI premises,\".

Finland hosted a special session at Helsinki’s Oodi Library, opposite the Finland Parliament House. The Embassy of India said diplomats, Finnish officials, and members of the Indian diaspora attended. Malaysia also reported a large turnout in Kuala Lumpur. Over 1,100 participants joined celebrations organised by the High Commission of India and the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre.

The Kuala Lumpur event included a chief guest, YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami. The High Commission posted, \"Honoured to have YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami as Chief Guest, who delivered an inspiring address on Yogas role in building a healthier, more productive society,\". Italy also held a public event at Arco della Pace in Milan, the Indian Consulate said.

Turkey marked the day at India House in Ankara, with more than 250 participants. Attendees included diplomats, Turkish nationals, Friends of India, and the Indian diaspora, according to the embassy. Spain also hosted a programme in Barcelona at Parc de Joan Miró. Around 150 people joined the event organised with the Indian Culture Centre and The Yoga Gallery.

International Day of Yoga participation includes schools and neighbours under Yoga for Healthy Ageing

Saudi Arabia included younger participants in its celebrations. Nearly 100 school children and teachers joined the session. The Embassy of India in Riyadh said, \"Young participants took to the mats with energy and excitement A wonderful reminder that healthy habits begin early. Nurturing the next generation of yoga practitioners in Saudi Arabia,\".

In Bangladesh, the Indian mission in Dhaka brought together participants of all ages. It said the turnout matched the theme and showed yoga’s value across life stages. Nepal also hosted a large demonstration at Pokhara Rangasala. The Embassy of India organised the event with Pokhara Metropolitan City, according to the post.

Some events began before Sunday in a few countries. In Canada, the Consulate General of India in Toronto held a gathering on Saturday. The session was set against the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Around 800 people attended, including government representatives, diplomats, wellness groups, yoga practitioners, and community leaders.

Several other Indian missions also held sessions to mark the day. These included Slovenia, Romania, Indonesia, Oman, UAE, Nigeria, Denmark, Kenya, Scotland, Mozambique, Ireland, Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan. Across venues, organisers repeated the focus on Yoga for Healthy Ageing. The programmes linked public practice with steady habits and broad participation.

With inputs from PTI