KATHMANDU, June 21: International Yoga Day is being observed across Nepal today with various programs under the theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
Observed annually on June 21, International Yoga Day is marked worldwide through awareness campaigns and public events. The day has been celebrated since June 21, 2015, following a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed the idea at the UN's 69th General Assembly, arguing that yoga is a lifelong necessity for everyone.
International Yoga Day being observed today
The proposal received its first support from Nepal’s then prime minister Sushil Koirala, after which permanent UN member states and the European Union backed the initiative. Yoga Day set a record by receiving support from 177 countries within 90 days of its proposal. Since 2016, it has been observed globally every June 21.
Nepal had begun celebrating Yoga Day much earlier, on Magh 1 (mid-January), coinciding with the start of Uttarayan, since 1980. Nepal Sanskrit University has long offered a six-month course in yoga and naturopathy, while Tribhuvan University has also introduced yoga studies under its Central Department of Sanskrit.
Before the UN recognition, organizations working in the field of yoga had been observing World Yoga Day in Nepal since 1980 under the leadership of Dr. Hari Prasad Pokharel. Although yoga was developed and refined by sages in the Himalayan region during the Vedic era, it had gradually faded from mainstream practice in Nepal. The observance was introduced to revive awareness and interest in the discipline.
Historically, yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda were considered key to mental peace, stability, and overall wellbeing. Interest in yoga among Nepalis grew again after its increasing use in Europe and the United States for health and wellness purposes.
After the UN designated June 21 as International Yoga Day, Nepali campaigners proposed declaring Magh 1 as National Yoga Day. Acting on a proposal by then Peace Minister Narahari Acharya, the government officially declared Magh 1 as National Yoga Day on August 13, 2015.
The government chose Magh 1 because Uttarayan, the sun’s northward journey, is considered especially significant for yoga and meditation practices. Nepal now observes National Yoga Day on Magh 1 and International Yoga Day on June 21, helping promote yoga more widely across the country.
Dr. Hari Prasad Pokharel, a long-time advocate of yoga, says yoga is more effective in preventing diseases than treating them after they occur and should be made a universal practice.
To mark International Yoga Day, a special program is being held at 7:00 am today at the premises of the National Sports Council. Organized by the International Yoga Day Main Celebration Committee, the event is expected to draw a large number of practitioners and supporters. Participants will perform yoga exercises and discuss the importance of yoga. The program, attended by the Chief Secretary, will also emphasize the need to promote yoga awareness for healthier living.
