India hosts 12th International Yoga Day celebration at UN headquarters in New York

The United Nations Headquarters in New York became a hub for wellness as India's Permanent Mission organized the 12th International Day of Yoga celebration. Around 800 participants from diverse backgrounds gathered to observe the ancient Indian practice, underscoring yoga's expanding global appeal.

Ambassador Harish P, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized yoga's increasing international influence and its contribution to holistic well-being. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also delivered a special message for the occasion. The event featured sessions following the Common Yoga Protocol and an advanced demonstration by the Art of Living Foundation, with Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, a renowned Siddha Master, also in attendance.

This celebration is part of a larger series of events across the United States leading up to the official International Day of Yoga on June 21. Major gatherings are planned at iconic locations like the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., Times Square in New York City, and Navy Pier in Chicago. The theme for this year, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," focuses on yoga's benefits for physical mobility, mental wellness, and longevity.

Further events include a flagship yoga session at the Lincoln Memorial, organized by the Indian Embassy, and a major gathering at Times Square led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's yoga guru, HR Nagendra. The International Day of Yoga, established by the UN General Assembly in 2014, has been observed annually since 2015, drawing millions worldwide and reinforcing yoga's role in promoting health and harmony.

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#IndiaAtUN @IndiaUNNewYork organised the 12th #InternationalDayofYoga at @UN Headquarters today. PR @AmbHarishP highlighted the growing global reach of #Yoga at the event. UNSG @antonioguterres delivered a special message on the occasion.