The worldwide observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21 highlighted not only the growing popularity of yoga but also the expanding economic and cultural influence of India’s wellness ecosystem. Celebrated under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the event demonstrated how yoga has evolved into a significant component of the global health and wellness economy.
With support from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), more than 210 Indian missions and embassies organized yoga programmes at over 2,500 venues worldwide. The main event in India was held in Kolkata, West Bengal, while large gatherings took place at iconic locations such as the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Times Square in New York, Shanghai’s Bund Finance Center, Toronto’s Ontario Legislative Building and Victoria Square in Birmingham.
The inclusion of Ayurveda Corners in the United States and exhibitions of Indian cuisine and traditional attire in Buenos Aires reflected the growing international demand for India’s broader wellness, tourism and cultural products. The Buenos Aires event also featured dedicated yoga sessions for persons with disabilities, expanding the reach of wellness initiatives.
