“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” – Bhagavad Gita
Every year on June 21st, millions across the globe come together to celebrate International Yoga Day—a day that highlights the significance of Yoga in our daily lives. For India, the birthplace of Yoga, this occasion holds not only cultural and spiritual significance but also national pride. From the majestic Himalayas to the serene beaches of Kerala, from rural schools to international embassies, India celebrates this day with unmatched enthusiasm.
But what truly makes Yoga Day in India so special? Let’s explore its significance, how it is celebrated, and where you can experience the best of Yoga on this iconic day.
🌍 The Origin and Global Adoption of International Yoga Day
In 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of an international yoga day during his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He said:
“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment.”
This proposal was met with overwhelming support, and on December 11, 2014, the UN declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga. This date, the summer solstice, marks the longest day of the year and holds spiritual significance in many cultures.
Why June 21st?
In yogic tradition, it is believed to be the day when Shiva, the Adiyogi (first yogi), began imparting knowledge of yoga to his disciples, the Saptarishis.
🇮🇳 Yoga in India: A Deep Cultural and Spiritual Connection
Yoga has been practiced in India for over 5,000 years, evolving from spiritual discipline to a worldwide health movement. Rooted in the Vedas, Upanishads, and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, yoga is more than physical exercise—it’s a pathway to self-realization.
Today, it includes various schools like:
- Hatha Yoga – Emphasizing physical postures (asanas)
- Ashtanga Yoga – Structured sequences for discipline and strength
- Kundalini Yoga – Spiritual awakening through energy
- Iyengar Yoga – Focus on precision and alignment
- Vinyasa Yoga – Fluid transitions and breath coordination
🗺️ Top 7 Places in India to Celebrate International Yoga Day
If you want to experience the soul of yoga, there’s no better time or place than India on June 21st. Here are some of the best yoga destinations:
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – The Global Yoga Capital
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and beside the holy Ganges, Rishikesh is the most revered place for yoga seekers. Famous for its ashrams, yoga schools, and Ganga Aarti, it draws seekers from all over the world.
Why Rishikesh?
- Authentic yoga teacher training
- Spiritual ambiance
- International Yoga Festival every March
Must Visit:
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram
- Sivananda Ashram
- Beatles Ashram for meditation
Celebrate Yoga Day by attending Ganga-side yoga and participating in community wellness activities.
2. Mysuru, Karnataka – The Ashtanga Yoga Hub
Mysuru is the home of Ashtanga Yoga, where the great Pattabhi Jois taught thousands of students. The city offers a rich blend of tradition and structure, perfect for dedicated practitioners.
Why Mysuru?
- Structured yoga education
- Peaceful, student-friendly environment
- Ancient temples and wellness centers
Top Schools:
- KPJAYI (Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Institute)
- Mysore Mandala
- Yogadarshanam
3. Pune, Maharashtra – Iyengar Yoga Institute
Founded by B.K.S. Iyengar, Pune’s Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute is globally respected for precision in posture and therapy-based yoga.
Why Pune?
- Deep therapeutic yoga training
- Research-based techniques
- Personalized learning
Best for: Serious yoga teachers, injury rehabilitation, and lifestyle diseases.
4. Kerala – Yoga and Ayurveda Retreats
If your idea of yoga includes detox, healing, and connecting with nature, Kerala is your paradise. Yoga in Kerala often combines Ayurvedic treatments, sattvic meals, and beach or forest settings.
Popular Locations:
- Varkala Cliffside Yoga
- Sivananda Ashram, Trivandrum
- AyurYoga Eco-Ashram, Wayanad
Enjoy your Yoga Day with Panchakarma therapy, herbal steam baths, and early morning beach asanas.
5. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh – Yoga in the Himalayas
Located in the Dhauladhar range, Dharamshala is a spiritual escape for yoga and meditation seekers, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and Himalayan wisdom.
Why Dharamshala?
- Peaceful mountains and monasteries
- International yoga programs
- Vipassana and mindfulness training
Visit the Tushita Meditation Centre, or attend yoga camps in McLeod Ganj.
6. Delhi – Public Yoga Events in the Capital
Every year, India’s capital hosts massive Yoga Day celebrations at historical landmarks and open parks, often led by top government officials or yoga gurus.
Major Venues:
- Rajpath (Kartavya Path)
- Lodhi Gardens
- India Gate Lawns
Thousands gather for mass yoga demonstrations, guided by AYUSH Ministry, Art of Living, and Patanjali.
7. Goa – Yoga by the Sea
Famous for its beaches and expat communities, Goa offers a unique vibe—a blend of relaxation and introspection. Celebrate Yoga Day in the lush greenery or sea-facing yoga huts.
Where to Go:
- Purple Valley Yoga Retreat
- Kranti Yoga Village
- Ashiyana Yoga Center
Enjoy organic food, music, and sunrise yoga on the beach.
🌱 Celebrating Yoga Day: Ideas for Individuals, Schools, and Businesses
👩💻 For Professionals
- Attend a virtual yoga session
- Take 30 mins for desk yoga and pranayama
- Join your company’s wellness initiative
🧒 For Schools and Colleges
- Host yoga competitions or awareness campaigns
- Conduct guided sessions by local instructors
- Organize drawing or essay contests on yoga
🏢 For Businesses
- Launch a corporate wellness day
- Invite a yoga guru for a workshop
- Provide access to mindfulness apps for employees
🏡 For Families and Individuals
- Begin the day with Surya Namaskar
- Introduce your children to simple yoga poses
- Go offline for a few hours and meditate together
💬 Themes of International Yoga Day (Past Years)
Each year the Ministry of AYUSH promotes a unique theme. Some past themes:
- 2015: Yoga for Harmony and Peace
- 2018: Yoga for Peace
- 2020: Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family (COVID lockdown)
- 2022: Yoga for Humanity
- 2023: Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family)
Stay updated with yoga.ayush.gov.in for this year’s theme and event schedule.
📷 Sharing Your Yoga Journey
Don’t forget to inspire others!
- Share pictures/videos with hashtags:
#InternationalYogaDay #YogaForHumanity #YogaIndia #YogaDay2025 - Tag your yoga studio, guru, or place of practice
- Join virtual global events or live-stream sessions
📚 Bonus: Best Books to Understand Yoga Deeper
- The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar
- Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (any translation)
- Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda
🧘 Final Thoughts
Yoga is India’s offering to the world—a tool for physical vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual insight. As the sun rises on June 21st, let’s roll out our mats, close our eyes, and connect with the collective energy of millions worldwide.
Whether you’re on a mountain in Himachal, a beach in Goa, or your rooftop in Delhi—celebrate yourself, celebrate India, and celebrate Yoga.
