Celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga in Nepal

    To celebrate the 11th edition of the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and the Consulate General of India in Birgunj organised a series of engaging events across 10 cities and municipalities in Nepal including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lamjung, Lumbini, Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Rautahat and Bariyarpur. 

 

2. In keeping with this year’s theme of “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the Embassy of India organised a curtain raiser event, including a Yoga demonstration, at the revered Pashupatinath Temple on 7 April 2025, marking the 75-day lead-up to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. As part of the 50-day lead-up to IDY, the Embassy of India conducted a Yoga session at the ECHS Polyclinic in Kathmandu on 2 May 2025, with active participation from ex-servicemen of the Indian Army. Additionally, in the 25-day lead-up to IDY 2025, a Yoga session was held with Nepali Army personnel at the Nepal Army HQ ground in Kathmandu on 27 May 2025.

 

3. The Embassy of India organized Yoga posture demonstrations at six UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, namely: Pashupatinath Temple on 7 April 2025; Kathmandu Durbar Square on 6 June 2025; Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa on 9 June 2025; Changu Narayan Temple on 10 June 2025; and Patan Durbar Square on 14 June 2025. These events saw active participation from Yoga enthusiasts and members of the Indian diaspora. The demonstration at Patan Durbar Square witnessed enthusiastic involvement from Nepali celebrities, local authorities, residents, and members of the Indian community. 

 

4. Separately, a Yoga session with participation of more than 150 students from various schools in Kathmandu was organized at the premises of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kathmandu on 13 June 2025. The event also featured an insightful lecture demonstration on the “Benefits of Saatvik Aahar,” inspiring students to embrace mindful eating rooted in traditional Indian wisdom and holistic wellness. In addition, the Embassy of India partnered with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) to host a Yoga session at the ICIMOD HQ in Kathmandu on 15 June 2025. The event was attended by the officials of ICIMOD and Embassy of India, Kathmandu. 

 

5. On 19 June 2025, a Yoga demonstration was held in the picturesque Lamjung district, in collaboration with the Madhya Nepal Municipality. In a similar spirit, the Embassy of India conducted Yoga demonstrations at three prominent landmarks in Pokhara: the Sarangkot viewpoint, renowned for its panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range; the Shiva Temple at Pumdikot, where spiritual serenity meets breathtaking vistas; and the Shanti Stupa, gracefully located on the scenic Anadu Hill. 

 

6. Continuing the celebration of Yoga, the Embassy of India hosted a large-scale Yoga and meditation session on 20 June 2025 along the serene banks of Lake Phewa in Pokhara. With over 500 participants in attendance, the event highlighted Yoga’s profound ability to connect human consciousness with the nature.

 

7. On 20 June 2025, the Embassy of India hosted a large-scale Yoga demonstration at the Lumbini Development Trust in Lumbini, drawing participation from over 500 Yoga enthusiasts. The event was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Governor of Lumbini, Mr. Krishna Bahadur Gharti, and the Hon’ble Minister of Youth and Sports of Nepal, Mr. Teju Lal Chaudhary. In his address, the Hon’ble Governor of Lumbini expressed his appreciation to the Embassy of India for organizing a meaningful Yoga event at the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, acknowledging its significance in strengthening the cultural ties between India and Nepal. Ambassador Naveen Srivastava underscored the universal appeal of Yoga and its vital role in fostering a healthy, mindful, and sustainable lifestyle. The Hon’ble Minister of Youth and Sports of Nepal also extended his gratitude to the Embassy of India for hosting the event and promoting the spirit of wellness and unity through Yoga.

 

8. The main highlight of the Embassy of India’s International Day of Yoga celebrations in Nepal in 2025 was a grand Yoga demonstration held at Pokhara’s Rangsala Stadium on 21 June, in collaboration with the Pokhara Metropolitan City. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 7000 Yoga practitioners across the region and was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Mr. Surendra Raj Pandey, and the Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Mr. Dhana Raj Acharya. In his address, the Hon’ble Chief Minister extended his gratitude to the Embassy of India for organizing the International Yoga Day celebrations in Pokhara on such a remarkable scale. He emphasized that Yoga represents an integral aspect of the enduring and deeply rooted cultural ties between India and Nepal. Ambassador Naveen Srivastava emphasized Yoga’s role as a meaningful cultural bridge between the two nations and highlighted the potential of organizing such events in key tourist destinations to further promote Yoga tourism in Nepal. The Mayor of Pokhara expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s support in positioning Pokhara as Nepal’s tourism hub through initiatives like these.

 

9. The Consulate General of India also organised International Day of Yoga events in Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Rautahat, and Bariyarpur.

 

10. The Embassy of India remains committed to fostering people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges with Nepal, grounded in the shared appreciation for Yoga and holistic approaches to health and well-being.

 

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Kathmandu

21 June 2025