New Yorkers, others, take part in International Day of Yoga celebrations

Hundreds of New Yorkers gathered at Times Square June 20, 2025, for the 11th International Day of Yoga. PHOTO: X @IndiainNewYork

The Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with Times Square Alliance, hosted a massive gathering at the “Crossroads of the World” to celebrate International Day of Yoga on June 20, 2025, on the eve the official date for this event which is recognized by the United Nations. This 11th year of IDY, was just one of many held in the Tri-state area, around the United States and in nations all over the globe. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and members of his cabinet, as well as leaders around the country, held yoga sessions in which thousands participated.

Actor, director, producer Anupam Kher, speaking at Times Square June 20, 2025, during the International Day of Yoga celebration, as India’s Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan looks on. PHOTO: X@IndiainNewYork

At the Times Square event, India’s Consul General in New York Binaya Srikant Pradhan welcomed participants to the ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ themed celebration. He was joined on stage by actor Anupam Kher who also addressed the gathering to talk about the benefits of yoga. “Thousands of Yoga practitioners from all walks of life joined for “Yoga for One Earth One Health” —honouring Yoga as India’s gift to the world,” the Indian Consulate said.

Yoga enthusiasts at Times Square June 20, 2025. PHOTO: X @IndiainNewYork

The Consulate coordinated IDY celebrations with several other organizations in Tri-state to hold the event. CGI New York, in association with the Town of Greenburgh and the Indian Cultural Association of North America (ICANA), celebrated #InternationalDayofYoga2025 in Westchester, NY. “The event highlighted yoga’s universal appeal and its message of harmony and well-being,” the Consulate said in a post on X.

IDY in Westchester, NY. PHOTO: X @IndiainNewYork

In the lead-up to #InternationalDayofYoga2025, women embracing yoga gathered against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline to celebrate the message of Yoga for One Earth, One Health — promoting balance, wellness, and unity.

Women gather to celebrate IDY in the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline. PHOTO: Screengrab from X @IndiainNewYork

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, nearly 5,000 participants gathered in the heart of
Central Park for UPLIFTNY25, for a day filled with yoga, meditation, music, and holistic healing, organizers said in a press release. Marking both International Yoga Day and Summer Solstice, the full-day event was presented by The Giving Back Foundation in collaboration with The Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness and Recreation and the Indian Consulate in New York.

Some scenes from the UpliftNY25 IDY event provided by organizers —

Meera Gandhi speaking at the IDY 2025 event in Central Park. PHOTOS: UpliftNY25

Participants in Central Park at the IDY celebrations June 21, 2025.

One of the performances at the UpliftNY25 event for IDY 2025, in Central Park.

A yoga panel at the UpLiftNY25 celebrations in Central Park June 21, 2025.

“UpliftNY25 was a powerful reminder that when we come together in the spirit of service and unity, we create real and lasting change ” noted Meera Gandhi, founder of The Giving Back Foundation. “I am deeply moved by the compassion and commitment shown by everyone involved. This is how we build a better world—one act of kindness, one heart at a time.. The energy was radiant, and the impact will ripple far beyond this moment.”

Above, India’s Consul General speaking to the IDY gathering in Central Park on June 21, 2025, as Meera Gandhi, founder of Giving Back Foundation looks on. A section of the participants at Central Park. PHOTO: X @IndiainNewYork

11th International Day of Yoga being celebrated June 20, 2025, at the United Nations, NY. PHOTO: Permanent Mission of India in New York.

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations hosted the 11th edition of the International Day of Yoga on 20 June 2025 at the North Lawn Area of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. “This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” is rooted in the “One Earth, One Health” approach introduced during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. The theme underscores the vital truth that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably linked,” the PMI said in a press release.

The IDY, introduced by PM Modi during his address to the 69th session of the UN General Assembly, was endorsed by a record 173 member states.

At the UN event this year, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in his opening remarks, reflected on the growing global resonance of Yoga over the years, noting its evolution into a powerful force for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being across geographies, age groups, and backgrounds.

The Chair of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN, Dennis Scotto, served as the Master of Ceremony. The event featured Common Yoga Protocol sessions and an advanced yoga demonstration with music, conducted by the ‘Art of Living’ Foundation.

Dr. Deepak Chopra conducting a guided meditation session at the UN celebration of International Day of Yoga, June 20, 2025. PHOTO: PMI

A guided meditation session was led by globally renowned health and wellness guru Dr. Deepak Chopra. More than 1,200 yoga enthusiasts, including UN envoys, personnel, officials, members of various yoga organizations, and representatives of the Indian diaspora, participated, according to PMI.

In India, Prime Minister Modi kicked off celebrations in Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, posting scenes from the event. “Yoga unites the world! Glad to see immense enthusiasm all across the planet for International Day of Yoga,” he posted.