Indian Embassy in US Marks International Yoga Day with Session at Lincoln Memorial
Ahead of International Day of Yoga on June 21, the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., organized a vibrant yoga session at the iconic Lincoln Memorial. The event saw enthusiastic participation from the Indian diaspora and local residents. Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra highlighted yoga as India's ancient civilizational heritage. The session aimed to promote yoga's holistic benefits for physical well-being, mental peace, and universal harmony, aligning with the 2025 theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health."
Unpacked:
June 21 is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolizing harmony between nature and human wellness. The date holds special significance in many cultures and was chosen to reflect the universal appeal of yoga and its connection to natural cycles.
International Day of Yoga was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and adopted by the UN with overwhelming support from 177 countries. It aims to raise global awareness about yoga's benefits for health, harmony, and peace, and is celebrated worldwide on June 21 each year.
The 2025 theme emphasizes yoga's role in promoting not only individual well-being but also planetary health. It highlights the interconnectedness of personal health and the environment, advocating for holistic well-being that benefits both humans and the Earth.
Since its inception, International Day of Yoga has been celebrated globally in cities like New York, Paris, Beijing, and now Washington, D.C., with public yoga sessions, community events, and cultural programs involving both local residents and the Indian diaspora.