New Delhi : Yoga Mahotsav 2025, a curtain raiser to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, was inaugurated by Pratap Rao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in Delhi today. To mark the 11th edition of IDY, Shri Jadhav also released 10 Unique Signature events, reinforcing India’s global leadership in Yoga. Padmabhushan Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Member of Parliament, Dharmadhikari, Kshetra Dharmasthala, senior government officials, eminent Yoga Gurus, scientists and scholars were also present on the occasion.
The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, as the nodal ministry for IDY, has taken the lead in organising 10 successful editions of IDY, which have found great enthusiasm and worldwide support. Following the footprints, this year, Yoga Mahotsav-2025 is being organised to promote various dimensions of Yoga and to kindle a mass movement to promote health, well-being, and peace across the globe. It is worth mentioning that the 100-day countdown is an important event in the observation of IDY every year. The event formally marks the beginning of the journey towards 11th IDY -2025.
While addressing the gathering, the Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav outlined the importance of Yoga and said, “From the past 10 years, under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we have celebrated this day as a grand festival. Yoga is not just a way of life but also a powerful means to maintain mental and physical well-being. Its unparalleled strength guided millions across the world to stay healthy and resilient during the challenging days of the lockdown.”
The Ayush Minister also released ‘The International Day of Yoga Handbook, 2025, Version 1.0’ in response to early public interest and demand from IDY event organisers for guidance to facilitate preparatory activities for the International Day of Yoga 2025.
Further, the Ayush Minister informed that this year IDY activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11th edition of the global event, which makes it the most expansive and inclusive:
Yoga Sangama – A synchronised Yoga demonstration at 10,000 locations, aiming for a world record.
Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries to host Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks.
Yoga Parks– Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks for long-term community engagement.
Yoga Samavesh – Special Yoga programs for Divyangjan, senior citizens, children, and marginalised groups.
Yoga Prabhava – A decadal impact assessment on Yoga’s role in public health.
Yoga Connect – A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.
Harit Yoga – A sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.
Yoga Unplugged- An event to attract young people to Yoga
Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 locations, culminating in a central celebration led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
Samyogam – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic wellness.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, cited data from the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) and stated that in 2.5 crore households—approximately 8% of all households in the country—at least one member practices yoga. This strongly demonstrates yoga’s deep integration into public life.
The day began with a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at 7 AM at the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), with the participation of over 1,000 Yoga enthusiasts. CYP is designed with input from experts as it comprises day-to-day yoga practice to reap all the benefits of yoga. The protocol is intended to popularise Yoga practices like Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, Dhyan, etc. Each Yogic activity is key to improving flexibility, strength, balance, and attaining harmony.
The one-day Yoga Mahotsav 2025 covered a range of activities, including three theme-based technical sessions on Science behind Common Yoga Protocol, Anti-Obesity Campaign: Role of Yoga and the Decadal Year of IDY Celebrations. These technical sessions featured eminent experts from the fields of Yoga, medicine, and scientific research and served as a crucial knowledge-sharing platform, reinforcing the scientific and therapeutic potential of Yoga while setting the stage for a grand and impactful International Day of Yoga 2025.
Yoga Mahotsav 2025 sets the stage for a revolution in health and well-being, with India leading the charge in making Yoga a way of life worldwide. Over the past decade, IDY has showcased India’s dedication to making Yoga a global phenomenon. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, IDY has evolved into a worldwide celebration of health, wellness, and unity.