Kathmandu – International Yoga Day is being observed in Nepal today with various awareness and promotional programs under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” The day is celebrated annually on June 21 through a range of public events and activities.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2014 declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, and the observance began worldwide on June 21, 2015.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the establishment of an International Yoga Day during the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing that yoga is essential for everyone at all times. The proposal received its first support from Nepal’s then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, followed by endorsements from the European Union and other permanent member states of the United Nations.
International Yoga Day set a record among UN-designated observances by receiving support from 177 countries within just 90 days of the proposal being introduced.
Since 2016, International Yoga Day has been celebrated globally on June 21. In Nepal, Yoga Day had already been observed since Magh 1, 2036 B.S. (mid-January), coinciding with the beginning of Uttarayan (the sun’s northward journey).
