Since proposing the idea of an International Day of Yoga at the United Nations in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently led the global observance each year, transforming it into a powerful movement that links health, unity, and cultural pride. From massive open-air gatherings in Indian cities to a historic event at the UN Headquarters, PM Modi’s leadership has made June 21 not just a day for yoga, but a global symbol of India’s soft power and universal wellness.
A vision that began at the United Nations
It all started in 2014 when newly-elected PM Modi proposed the idea of a dedicated yoga day at the UN General Assembly. Within months, the UN adopted June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, a move supported by 177 countries — the highest-ever backing for a UN resolution. Since then, PM Modi has led every edition of Yoga Day, choosing new cities and themes each year to promote different aspects of yoga’s benefits and values.
In 2015, the first International Yoga Day was held on the grand Kartavya Path (then Rajpath) in New Delhi. Over 35,000 participants joined the PM in performing 21 asanas under the theme ‘Yoga for Harmony and Peace.’ The event made headlines for breaking two Guinness World Records — for the largest yoga class and most nationalities participating. It marked the beginning of a global movement.
The next year, in 2016, PM Modi led over 30,000 people in Chandigarh at Capitol Complex, with a theme linked to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In 2017, the venue shifted to Lucknow, where over 51,000 people, including CM Yogi Adityanath, joined under the theme ‘Yoga for Health.’ The following year, Dehradun’s Forest Research Institute hosted nearly 50,000 yoga enthusiasts with a focus on ‘Yoga for Peace.’
From virtual outreach to record-breaking participation
In 2019, Ranchi was chosen as the host city with the theme ‘Yoga for Heart,’ gathering over 40,000 participants. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 forced the celebrations to go digital. PM Modi addressed the nation virtually, promoting ‘Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family’ and then ‘Yoga for Wellness,’ emphasizing how yoga had become a global tool for physical and mental resilience during the crisis.
By 2022, public gatherings resumed, and PM Modi led a massive event at Mysuru Palace Grounds in Karnataka with over 15,000 people under the theme ‘Yoga for Humanity.’ A notable innovation that year was the ‘Guardian Ring’ initiative, which synchronized yoga events across 79 countries via Indian embassies and UN bodies.
The 2023 celebration marked perhaps the biggest diplomatic milestone — PM Modi led the Yoga Day event from the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The theme ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — meaning ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ — resonated globally. Over 135 nationalities participated, creating a new Guinness World Record and reinforcing yoga’s global footprint.
From Kashmir to the coast in 2024 and 2025
In 2024, PM Modi took the celebrations to Srinagar, addressing over 24.5 crore people across the country from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre. That year’s event was not only symbolic for its location but also broke multiple records in participation and digital engagement.
For the 2025 edition, marking the 11th International Day of Yoga, PM Modi is leading the celebration from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The event spans a massive 26-kilometre stretch from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram, once again underlining the scale and inclusivity that the event has grown into under his leadership.
Each year, PM Modi has used Yoga Day as a platform to connect India’s ancient wisdom with modern health consciousness, while also diplomatically reinforcing India’s role on the world stage.
