Nepal: Hundreds perform Yoga asanas in Pokhara on 12th International Yoga Day

Jun 21, 2026

Pokhara (Nepal), June 21 (ANI): Thousands of Yoga enthusiasts converged in Nepal's Pokhara Stadium on Sunday, observing International Yoga Day under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." Observed annually on June 21, International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness about the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga through various public programs and activities. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014 following a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 69th session of the General Assembly. The first International Yoga Day was observed on June 21, 2015. Nepal was among the first countries to support the proposal, with then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala endorsing the initiative. The resolution went on to receive backing from the European Union and other UN member states, earning a record 177 co-sponsors within 90 days. Today, yoga and naturopathy are taught at Nepal Sanskrit University, while Tribhuvan University also offers yoga studies through its Central Department of Sanskrit. Traditionally, yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda were regarded as important means of maintaining physical health, mental peace, and emotional well-being.