Bhubaneswar, Odisha – The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, is gearing up to host the Yoga Mahotsav 2025 in Odisha on April 7, coinciding with World Health Day. This event marks the beginning of a 75-day countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), celebrated annually on June 21. Set to take place at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM, the highlight of the celebration will be a grand demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), a standardized sequence that has become the cornerstone of IDY festivities worldwide. The event promises to draw thousands of participants and will unfold in the presence of prominent dignitaries, signaling the start of a nationwide push to promote yoga as a tool for health and well-being.
Leading the proceedings will be Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare. He will be joined by a host of notable figures, including Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Puri Lok Sabha MP Sambit Patra, Odisha Legislative Assembly MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, Ayush Ministry Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, and Joint Secretary Monalisa Dash. Their participation underscores the event’s significance as a collaborative effort between the central government and the state of Odisha, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing yoga’s reach and impact.
Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary of Ayush, emphasized the importance of the Common Yoga Protocol, which will be showcased during the Yoga Mahotsav. Available in 22 languages and, since last year, in Braille, the CYP is designed to make yoga accessible to diverse populations. “It’s the foundation of International Day of Yoga,” Dash noted, highlighting its role in fostering inclusivity. She pointed to the growing global participation in IDY, with over 24 crore people having joined the mass yoga demonstrations since its inception in 2015. “Every year, the numbers increase, and new records are set. We expect 2025 to be another milestone,” she added, setting an ambitious tone for this year’s celebrations.
The Yoga Mahotsav is more than a one-day event—it marks the launch of a 75-day campaign aimed at igniting a “Mass Movement for Health and Wellbeing” through yoga. The Ministry of Ayush, which coordinates IDY nationally and globally, has planned a series of activities to sustain momentum in the lead-up to June 21. Key milestones at the 50-day and 25-day marks will feature additional events, building anticipation for the main IDY celebration, which is traditionally led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a mass yoga demonstration. This year, as IDY enters its 11th edition—a decade since its recognition by the United Nations in 2014—the ministry is rolling out ten signature events to commemorate the milestone. These include Yoga Sangama, Yoga Bandhan, Yoga Parks, Yoga Samavesh, Yoga Prabhava, Yoga Connect, Harit Yoga, Yoga Unplugged, Yoga Maha Kumbh, and SamYogam, each designed to engage different segments of society and amplify yoga’s transformative potential.
Jadhav, in his remarks ahead of the event, traced yoga’s global journey back to Modi’s initiative at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. “The historic decision to declare June 21 as International Day of Yoga is a matter of immense pride for our nation,” he said, framing yoga as an integral part of India’s cultural heritage. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s personal involvement, noting that Modi’s leadership of the annual mass yoga demonstration has become a defining feature of IDY. “Preparations for IDY 2025 are already underway, and the Yoga Mahotsav is a momentous beginning,” Jadhav added, expressing optimism about its role in uniting people across borders in pursuit of wellness and harmony.
The choice of Odisha as the host state adds a regional flavor to the national celebration. Kalinga Stadium, a venue synonymous with sports and community gatherings in Bhubaneswar, provides an apt backdrop for the event. The state’s rich cultural heritage and growing prominence as a hub for health and wellness initiatives align with the ministry’s goals. The presence of Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister and local lawmakers signals strong state-level support, ensuring that the Yoga Mahotsav resonates beyond the capital and into rural and urban communities alike.
The Ministry of Ayush has been instrumental in elevating IDY into a global phenomenon over the past decade. Through partnerships with governments, organizations, and yoga practitioners worldwide, it has expanded the event’s footprint, turning a traditional Indian practice into a universal symbol of physical and mental harmony. The introduction of the Braille edition of the CYP last year and the translation into 22 languages exemplify this push for inclusivity, ensuring that yoga transcends linguistic and physical barriers. The ministry’s efforts have also spurred collaborations with international bodies, educational institutions, and grassroots organizations, amplifying yoga’s reach year after year.
As the Yoga Mahotsav approaches, the ministry is banking on widespread participation to set the tone for IDY 2025. The 75-day countdown will feature a mix of in-person and virtual activities, including workshops, demonstrations, and awareness campaigns, all aimed at deepening public engagement with yoga. The ten signature events, with their evocative names and diverse formats, are intended to appeal to a broad audience—from urban youth to rural communities, from seasoned practitioners to newcomers. Harit Yoga, for instance, may focus on eco-friendly practices, while Yoga Unplugged could emphasize a return to yoga’s roots, free of modern distractions. Each event will contribute to the overarching narrative of yoga as a unifying force for health and peace.
The alignment with World Health Day on April 7 adds a layer of global relevance to the Yoga Mahotsav. Observed annually to mark the founding of the World Health Organization, the day emphasizes holistic well-being—a theme that dovetails seamlessly with yoga’s philosophy. By kicking off the IDY countdown on this date, the Ministry of Ayush is positioning yoga as a vital tool in addressing contemporary health challenges, from stress and sedentary lifestyles to chronic diseases.
For Odisha, hosting the Yoga Mahotsav is an opportunity to showcase its hospitality and commitment to national initiatives. The event’s early morning timing—6:30 AM to 8:00 AM—encourages participants to start their day with yoga, embodying the discipline and mindfulness it promotes. As dignitaries and citizens gather at Kalinga Stadium, the demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol will serve as both a practical exercise and a symbolic gesture, uniting diverse voices in a shared pursuit of wellness.
With the Yoga Mahotsav, the Ministry of Ayush is laying the groundwork for what it hopes will be the most impactful International Day of Yoga yet. As the countdown progresses, the focus will remain on inspiring a global movement—one that celebrates yoga’s ancient wisdom while adapting it to modern needs. Whether this year’s celebrations break participation records or spark new conversations about health, the event in Bhubaneswar is poised to be a vibrant launchpad for a season of yoga-driven transformation.
