The Union Territory of Ladakh celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with great enthusiasm and widespread public participation at two iconic venues — Leh Palace and Astroturf Open Stadium, Spituk — on June 21.

The celebration also marked the grand culmination of the week-long International Festival of Yoga and Meditation, jointly organized by the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh, in collaboration with LAHDC Leh, the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, the University of Ladakh, the Ministry of Ayush, and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga.

This year’s global theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasized the unifying power of yoga in promoting sustainability, planetary well-being, and holistic health.

A special feature of the event was the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. His message inspired audiences across Ladakh, underscoring yoga’s transformative role in healing, connection, and unity.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal, graced the occasion as Chief Guest at both venues. In his address, he hailed the International Day of Yoga as a historic milestone for India and a global acknowledgment of its ancient heritage.

“Yoga is not merely a physical discipline, but a holistic path to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” the Minister stated. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for successfully proposing the IDY to the United Nations General Assembly, leading to its global recognition in 2015.

“Yoga will not only benefit the present generation but also lay the foundation for a healthier, more harmonious future,” he added.

Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder and President of MIMC, highlighted yoga, meditation, ahimsa (non-violence), karuna (compassion), and maitri (loving-kindness) as India’s timeless gifts to humanity.

“Yoga is not just exercise; it is a path of transformation that rejuvenates body, mind, and soul,” he said. He also shared that the International Festival of Yoga and Meditation was successfully conducted at several breathtaking locations in Ladakh, including Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, the University of Ladakh, MIMC Leh, SNM Hospital, and the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, providing participants with a unique blend of spiritual practice and natural serenity.

The celebration was further elevated by the presence of several dignitaries, including Chairman LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson; Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchuk; Executive Councillors Ghulam Mehdi and Stanzin Chosphel; Chief Secretary UT Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal; former Lt. Governor of Puducherry, Kiran Bedi; Secretary Tourism Vikram Singh Malik; Secretary RDD Shashanka Ala; and former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, along with senior officials and other prominent guests.

The event also witnessed active participation from religious leaders from across India, such as His Holiness Swami Gyananand Tirth Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Swami Vachananda Guru, as well as numerous political representatives, departmental secretaries, heads of departments, and students from various educational institutions.

The celebration concluded with a mass yoga demonstration, where hundreds of participants performed asanas under the guidance of trained instructors—reaffirming the message of unity, health, and peace through the timeless and transformative practice of yoga.