Nashik, the sacred land of Mahakumbh, resonated with the spirit of Yoga as over 6,000 enthusiasts gathered at the spiritually significant Gauri Maidan, Panchavati, to mark the 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. Organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Ministry of Ayush, the Yoga Mahotsav celebrated India’s ancient Yoga tradition and launched the Yoga Sangam Portal, a digital platform to facilitate synchronized mass Yoga demonstrations across 1,00,000+ locations in India on June 21, 2025.
Inauguration and Key Highlights
The event was inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare. The minister highlighted Nashik’s spiritual significance, stating, “Nashik is a sacred city blessed by great souls, and visiting it filled me with pride and joy. Yoga, once an integral part of Indian tradition, is now flourishing within the international community.”
The launch of the Yoga Sangam Portal was a pivotal moment, with the minister noting, “Yoga Sangam embodies global solidarity for health, and through initiatives like these, International Day of Yoga is becoming a powerful global movement that unites humanity, promoting Yoga and beyond.” The portal, accessible at yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga-sangam, enables online registration for the nationwide Yoga Sangam event, one of the ten signature events of IDY 2025.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today, Yoga forms the foundation of life for millions around the world.” — Shri Prataprao Jadhav
Yoga Sangam: A Nationwide Movement
Yoga Sangam is a groundbreaking initiative designed to synchronize mass Yoga performances at over 1,00,000 locations across India on June 21, 2025. This decentralized yet unified event aims to create a powerful ripple effect of positive energy, uniting hundreds of thousands under Yoga’s holistic shield. The minister congratulated MDNIY and the Ministry of Ayush for their decade-long efforts in making Yoga a global movement.
Common Yoga Protocol Demonstration
A key feature of the Yoga Mahotsav was the live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), led by Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director of MDNIY. Developed with inputs from leading Yoga experts, the CYP integrates practices like Pranayama and Dhyana to enhance flexibility, strength, balance, and harmony. Over 6,000 participants joined the session, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collective discipline and energy. The event was live-streamed across social media platforms, amplifying its reach.
Distinguished Guests
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including:
- Shri Bhaskar Murlidhar Bhagare, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Nashik
- Smt. Devyani Suhas Pharande, MLA, Nashik Central
- Smt. Seema Hiray, MLA, Nashik West
- Shri Rahul Uttamrao Dhikale, MLA, Nashik East
- Lieutenant General Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice Chancellor, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences
- Dr. Vishwas Mandlik, Head, Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nashik
- Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush
Ms. Monalisa Dash delivered the welcome address, emphasizing India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) as a symbol of global harmony.
IDY 2025: A Decade of Global Wellness
The Yoga Mahotsav in Nashik is part of a series of events leading to IDY 2025, following celebrations on March 13, 2025 (100-second countdown) in New Delhi and April 7, 2025 (75-day countdown) in Bhubaneswar. This year’s IDY, marking its 11th edition, will feature ten unique signature events, including:
- Yoga Sangam: Synchronized Yoga at 1,00,000 locations
- Yoga Bandhan: Global Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks
- Yoga Parks: 1,000 community Yoga spaces
- Yoga Samavesh: Inclusive programs for diverse groups
- Yoga Prabhav: Assessing Yoga’s public health impact
- Yoga Connect: Virtual global Yoga summit
- Harit Yoga: Yoga with sustainability initiatives
- Yoga Unplugged: Engaging youth with Yoga
- Yoga Maha Kumbh: Week-long festival across 10 locations
- SamYogam: Integrating Yoga with modern healthcare
A Global Movement
Since its inception in 2015, IDY has grown into a global wellness movement. Key milestones include setting Guinness World Records in 2015 (New Delhi) and 2023 (Surat), virtual celebrations during the 2020 pandemic, and the ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ in 2023, covering 35,000 km. In 2024, 24.53 crore people participated globally, with a record-breaking pledge by 25.93 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh.
The Yoga Mahotsav in Nashik reaffirms India’s commitment to promoting holistic health, wellness, and environmental sustainability through Yoga, setting the stage for a historic IDY 2025.