The International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated every year on 21st June, following the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) official proclamation on 11th December 2014. This global recognition came in response to India’s proposal, emphasizing Yoga’s role in promoting health, peace, and well-being.
Since its first celebration in 2015, each IDY has been guided by a unique annual theme. These themes highlight Yoga’s relevance to the global community, especially in addressing pressing challenges like health crises, environmental concerns, and emotional well-being.
List of International Day of Yoga Themes (2015–2025)
| Year | Theme | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Yoga for Harmony and Peace | Focused on promoting inner peace and global harmony through the practice of Yoga. |
| 2016 | Yoga for the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals | Linked Yoga with the UN’s SDGs, emphasizing health, equality, and sustainable living. |
| 2017 | Yoga for Health | Highlighted Yoga’s role in improving physical and mental health, reducing lifestyle diseases. |
| 2018 | Yoga for Peace | Promoted peaceful living and emotional stability, both individually and globally. |
| 2019 | Yoga for Heart | Emphasized Yoga’s benefits for cardiovascular health and stress reduction. |
| 2020 | Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family | Encouraged at-home practice during COVID-19, strengthening family bonds. |
| 2021 | Yoga for Wellness | Promoted overall well-being and self-care during the pandemic recovery phase. |
| 2022 | Yoga for Humanity | Celebrated Yoga’s support for frontline workers and global healing. |
| 2023 | Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam | Advocated universal unity – “The world is one family” – through Yoga’s inclusive philosophy. |
| 2024 | Yoga for Self and Society | Showed how Yoga benefits the individual and helps build a more mindful society. |
| 2025 | Yoga for One Earth, One Health | Focuses on the link between planetary health and human well-being, encouraging sustainable living. |
2015 – Yoga for Harmony and Peace
The very first IDY set the tone by highlighting how Yoga fosters inner peace and promotes social harmony, encouraging a balanced, conflict-free lifestyle across nations and individuals.
2016 – Yoga for the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This theme connected the practice of Yoga to the United Nations’ SDGs, recognizing Yoga’s potential to support goals like good health, gender equality, and climate action through conscious living.
2017 – Yoga for Health
With an emphasis on physical and mental well-being, this theme focused on promoting Yoga as a preventive health measure, particularly valuable in an era of increasing lifestyle diseases.
2018 – Yoga for Peace
In a world affected by tension and unrest, the 2018 theme stressed the importance of inner calm and peaceful coexistence, achievable through a steady Yoga practice.
2019 – Yoga for Heart
This year spotlighted the role of Yoga in maintaining cardiovascular health, and reducing stress-related ailments, aligning with rising awareness about heart disease prevention.
2020 – Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the theme encouraged people to practice Yoga at home, turning isolation into an opportunity for family bonding and collective wellness.
2021 – Yoga for Wellness
As the world recovered from the pandemic, this theme underscored Yoga’s role in achieving mental, emotional, and physical wellness, acting as a comprehensive self-care practice.
2022 – Yoga for Humanity
This year paid tribute to frontline workers and communities affected by global crises. It reaffirmed Yoga’s relevance in healing, resilience, and compassion across societies.
2023 – Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
Derived from ancient Indian philosophy, this Sanskrit phrase means “The world is one family.” The theme reflected a global unity outlook, promoting shared responsibility and togetherness through Yoga.
2024 – Yoga for Self and Society
This theme emphasized the dual benefits of Yoga—how it helps an individual find balance, while also creating a more conscious and compassionate society. It reinforced Yoga’s inner-outer connection.
2025 – Yoga for One Earth, One Health
The upcoming 11th IDY adopts a planet-centric theme, linking environmental sustainability with human health. It builds on the idea that our well-being is deeply interconnected with the planet’s health, urging practices that foster eco-conscious living, harmony, and collective healing.
Why These Themes Matter
Each annual theme of the International Day of Yoga serves a strategic purpose:
- To raise awareness about Yoga’s benefits in different contexts
- To connect Yoga with global priorities like health, peace, environment, and equity
- To encourage public participation and policy-level adoption
Join the Global Movement
As we approach IDY 2025, the Ministry of AYUSH (MoA) invites individuals, institutions, and governments to actively participate in spreading Yoga’s timeless wisdom. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, Yoga for One Earth, One Health is a call to align your personal wellness journey with planetary consciousness.
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