India’s International Yoga Day Goes Global, Strengthening International Relation

The Indian government has been using Yoga Day as a means to enhance relations with Nepal. Supported by 175 member states, including Nepal, a proposal initiated by India led the United Nations to designate June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014.

The International Day of Yoga is being observed in Nepal by organizing various programmes today. In the days leading up to Yoga Day, celebrated on June 21, Indian organizations in Nepal host events in various cities across the country to commemorate the occasion. India aims to strengthen people-to-people ties by encouraging participation from Nepali citizens in Yoga Day celebrations.

“The proposal, which originated in the United Nations General Assembly last decade, has evolved into a global movement promoting health and well-being,” stated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a message to his counterparts in several countries, including Nepal, on Friday. “Today, Yoga has been embraced by cultures and communities worldwide.”

On 19 June, the embassy organized a Yoga and meditation session for over 450 participants on the shores of Phewa Lake in Pokhara. On the same day, in collaboration with Ayurveda practitioners, the Embassy conducted a yoga demonstration and offered free health consultations to students of Pokhara University, emphasizing the health benefits of yoga and Ayurveda. The Vice-Chancellor and professors of Pokhara University participated in the event.

Additionally, on that Thursday, the embassy organized yoga demonstrations at three prominent locations in Pokhara: participants practiced yoga while enjoying the panoramic view of the Annapurna snow range from the Sarankot viewpoint; yoga sessions were conducted at Shiv Mandir in Pumdikot, amidst a spiritually enriching environment and panoramic views; and yoga practice also took place at the Shanti Stupa on the picturesque Andu Danda in Pokhara. During these sessions, the experienced yoga instructor educated participants about various asanas, pranayama, and meditation techniques, highlighting the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga.

The following day, on 20 June, a large-scale Yoga demonstration was held at Lumbini, the revered birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event was organized by the Embassy of India in Nepal in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust. Chief Minister of Lumbini, Jokh Bahadur Mahara, was the Chief Guest for the event. He expressed gratitude to the Embassy of India for organizing this significant event at the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, which he said would strengthen cultural ties between India and Nepal.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the International Day of Yoga would help generate greater awareness about Yoga, leading to a healthier and more balanced society. More than 900 Yoga enthusiasts from the region participated in the event, alongside senior officials of the Lumbini Development Trust.

Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, noted that Yoga has become a global phenomenon, particularly since the United Nations designated 21 June as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 based on a proposal by India. He said that Lumbini, a symbol of peace and harmony, provides a perfect setting to celebrate the timeless practice of Yoga. Ambassador Srivastava also announced that the Embassy of India would collaborate annually with the Lumbini Development Trust to celebrate the International Day of Yoga in Lumbini.

On the other hand, in cooperation with Pokhara Metropolitan City, the Indian Embassy organized a large yoga demonstration program at Pokhara Stadium on Friday (today). This event marked the largest celebration of International Yoga Day in Nepal for 2024. Surendra Raj Pandey, Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Dhanraj Acharya, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, and more than 5000 yoga enthusiasts participated in the program.

Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey thanked the Indian Embassy for organizing the largest International Yoga Day event of the year in Pokhara. He highlighted Nepal’s support for Prime Minister Modi’s proposal to celebrate June 21 as International Yoga Day since 2014. He emphasized that yoga plays a crucial role in fostering strong and sustainable cultural relations between India and Nepal.

Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava stated that yoga would serve as a robust cultural bridge between Nepal and India. He emphasized that organizing yoga programs at key tourist destinations in Nepal could effectively promote yoga tourism in those areas. The Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City expressed gratitude to the embassy for hosting significant events aimed at establishing Pokhara as Nepal’s premier tourist destination. The Consulate General of India in Birgunj also arranged an International Yoga Day program in Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetaunda, Gaur, and Pokharia.

Similarly, today , the main event organizing committee formed by the government under the chair of Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sumana Shrestha to mark the International Day of Yoga held a special ceremony at SOS Children’s Village in Bhaktapur this morning.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ also addressed the event. The PM said Nepal could be the main destination for researchers and academics throughout the world who are studying the knowledge and science related to yoga. Stating that yoga is not only to do with physical exercise, the PM argued that it also is about a scientific lifestyle and living system to be adopted, remaining in certain rules. It helps make an individual physically, mentally and spiritually strong to live a healthy life, according to the PM.

Likewise, Minister for Education Sumana Shrestha said the practice of yoga should be embraced for a healthy life. On the occasion, Secretary at the Ministry of Education Dipak Kafle read out a message on Yoga Day delivered by President Ramchandra Paudel.

Looking ahead, the Embassy of India, in collaboration with Madhya Nepal Municipality, will conclude the celebrations with a yoga demonstration in Lamjung on Saturday, further cementing the enduring bond between the two nations through the practice of yoga.