On a bright, sunny morning, more than 500 yoga enthusiasts from the Washington DC metropolitan area (DMV) gathered at the historic Lincoln Memorial on June 19, 2025, to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga. The event was hosted by the Embassy of India in Washington DC.

This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” was reflected throughout the program, which included prayers and invocations for peace and well-being across humanity.

In her welcome address, First Secretary (Press, Information & Culture), Neha Singh, remarked, “This year, we are celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga, recognizing the universal appeal of the ancient practice of yoga,” adding that 11 years ago, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.

“Since its inception, nearly 5000 years ago in the Indus Valley Civilization, this timeless tradition has traveled far and wide, and now hundreds of millions of people around the world perform yoga,” Singh continued. “Yoga is about harmonizing oneself with the universe. It is the way of aligning an individual with the cosmic to achieve the highest level of perception and calming.”

The celebration opened with a classical dance by four students, Akshara Girish, Samhitha Gurram, Yashaswini Singiresu, and Siri Tanjore, performing “Aigiri Nandini” from the Kalanidhi Dance Academy. The energetic hymn, dedicated to Goddess Durga, depicted her many forms as a fierce protector and vanquisher of evil. With dynamic choreography and devotional expression, the performance embodied “strength, grace, and divine victory.”

Set to a powerful rhythm, Singh noted the dance celebrated her triumph over evil, portraying her many forms as the protector of the righteous and the destroyer of demons. With spirited movements and devotional intensity, this piece showcased “strength, grace, and divine victory.”

Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra, who participated in the event, told South Asian Herald, “Today’s yoga day celebrations are celebration of India’s ancient civilizational heritage, which we are very happy to share with our friends from the US, including from the diaspora and others.”

Reflecting on the day’s clear skies and positive energy, he added that it was a fitting occasion to “see and share the positive aspects” of India’s cultural legacy through the International Day of Yoga.

President of the United Hindu Jain Temples (UHJT) Association, a consortium representing nearly all major temples across the Baltimore and Washington DC metropolitan areas, Alok Srivastava, told South Asian Herald “International Yoga Day is a joyful celebration of wellness and unity. It highlights the scientifically proven benefits of yoga—from reducing stress and improving immunity to enhancing mental clarity and emotional balance.”

Srivastava emphasized that in today’s fast-paced world, yoga provides a simple yet profound path to holistic health. The global observance, he said, honors India’s enduring gift to humanity while encouraging individuals of all backgrounds to adopt yoga as a “lifestyle of harmony, vitality, and peace.”

In the lead-up to the main event, the Indian Embassy and its consulates across the United States hosted a series of curtain-raiser events, organized in collaboration with community organizations and yoga practitioners. In addition to the yoga session at the Lincoln Memorial, the event also featured a Kuchipudi classical dance performance. 

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