Beijing/New York | From Tokyo's historic temples to the iconic Times Square in New York, yoga enthusiasts across the world came together on Sunday to celebrate the International Day of Yoga, reaffirming the ancient Indian practice's growing appeal as a pathway to health, balance and well-being.

International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated globally on June 21 every year, since its adoption by the United Nations in 2014.

This year's celebrations, themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlighted yoga's relevance in promoting physical fitness, mental resilience and holistic wellness at every stage of life.

In the land of the rising sun, Japan, more than 2,100 yoga enthusiasts joined celebrations organised by the Indian Embassy at the historic Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple in Tokyo.

"Despite the rain, with the motto 'Yoga together, rain or shine!', the venue was filled with energy and smiles," the Indian Embassy in Tokyo said in a post on X.

On the other end of the world, Yoga enthusiasts from diverse nationalities gathered at iconic Times Square in New York to celebrate IDY.

"Padma Shri Dr. H.R. Nagendra @HRNagendra1 highlighted yoga’s timeless relevance for healthy and harmonious living. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” reflects yoga’s enduring value in promoting wellness, longevity and holistic well-being," the Consulate General of India, New York, posted on X.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Moscow, in collaboration with the Moscow City Government, organised the IDY celebrations at the iconic Universitetskaya Square, Lomonosov Moscow State University.

"Hundreds of participants joined the mass practice of the Common Yoga Protocol at the XII International Day of Yoga celebrations in Moscow, led by Mr. Bhup Singh Thakur, Yoga teacher at the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Moscow," the Embassy of India in Russia posted on X.

In China, around 400 people, including diplomats, academics, yoga practitioners and members of the Indian diaspora, participated in celebrations organised by the Consulate General of India in Shanghai at the Bund Finance Centre.

Addressing the gathering, Consul General Pratik Mathur described yoga as India's gift to the world and underscored its growing role in promoting holistic health, mental well-being and active ageing, according to a statement issued by the consulate.

India’s High Commissioner to the UK, P Kumaran, joined several members of the Indian diaspora and other UK-based yoga practitioners and performed asanas and meditative breathing exercises at Holland Park in central London.

Hundreds followed experts and instructors on stage on a particularly scorching hot day in the UK capital.

“It is heartening to see that the reach of yoga is spreading gradually,” Kumaran told PTI.

In Germany, the Indian Embassy in Berlin, in collaboration with Art of Living, celebrated IDY with over 500 participants amidst the grandeur of the iconic Brandenburg Gate.

"Thunderstorms could not dampen the spirit; as participants continued practicing Yoga with enthusiasm, reflecting their commitment to its message of health, harmony and well-being," the Indian Embassy said.

A large number of people gathered at Old Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, to celebrate IDY under the guidance of Yoga Australia CEO Josh Pryor.

The one-hour yoga session led by Pryor offered a rare moment of calm, mindfulness, said the High Commission of India in Canberra in a post on X.

“A wonderful reminder that yoga is not just exercise—it is a way of life that nurtures both body and mind,” it added.

In Singapore, hundreds of Yoga enthusiasts, including a Minister of State and members of the Indian diaspora, came together on Sunday to celebrate the International Day of Yoga with enthusiasm and inclusivity.

“Singapore, with its strong commitment to multiculturalism, wellness, and sustainable development, has embraced yoga with enthusiasm and inclusivity,” High Commissioner of India to the City State, Dr Shilpak Ambule, said on the occasion.

People from the Kiwi, Indian, and other ethnic communities came together to celebrate the IDY at the premises of the High Commission of India in New Zealand.

“Celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm in collaboration with Heartfulness and Art of Living Foundation NZ at the HCI premises,” the Indian mission in New Zealand posted on X.

The Embassy of India in Helsinki organised a special yoga session at the iconic Oodi Library, located opposite to the Finland Parliament House.

The event brought together Diplomats, Finnish officials, and members of the Indian diaspora.

Over 1,100 yoga enthusiasts came together for yoga day celebrations organised by the High Commission of India & Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

“Honoured to have YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami as Chief Guest, who delivered an inspiring address on Yoga’s role in building a healthier, more productive society,” the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur, posted on X.

Yoga Enthusiasts gathered at the iconic Arco della Pace in Milan, Italy, to celebrate the IDY, the Consulate General of India in Milan said in a post on X.

The IDY event at the India House, Ankara, was attended by over 250 participants, including diplomats, Yoga enthusiasts, Turkish nationals, Friends of India and members of the Indian diaspora, according to the Embassy of India in Ankara.

The Indian mission in Barcelona celebrated the IDY at Parc de Joan Miró, in collaboration with the Indian Culture Centre and The Yoga Gallery.

"Around 150 participants joined the event, highlighting this year’s theme,“Yoga for Healthy Ageing," the Consulate General of India in Barcelona said.

Nearly 100 school children and teachers participated in IDY celebrations in Saudi Arabia.

"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," Embassy of India, Riyadh posted on X.

In neighbouring Bangladesh, the High Commission of India in Bangladesh brought together participants of all ages to celebrate the occasion.

“Their enthusiastic participation reflected the spirit of this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, and underscored yoga’s relevance across every stage of life,” the Indian mission in Dhaka said.

The Embassy of India in Nepal also organised a mega yoga demonstration at Pokhara Rangasala in association with Pokhara Metropolitan City.

In some countries, the events to mark the IDY started days ahead.

In Canada, the Consulate General of India in Toronto marked the International Day of Yoga with a large gathering against the backdrop of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on Saturday.

Around 800 participants, including government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, yoga practitioners, wellness organisations, and community leaders, took part in the celebrations, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said in a social media post.

Indian missions in several other countries, including Slovenia, Romania, Indonesia, Oman, UAE, Nigeria, Denmark, Kenya, Scotland, Mozambique, Ireland, Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan also organised yoga sessions and events to mark the occasion.