Yoga Day countdown starts with month-long activities in Uganda

KAMPALA - Uganda has kicked off month-long activities leading to the commemoration of International Day of Yoga, which is celebrated every June 21.

International Yoga Day celebrates the physical and spiritual prowess that yoga has brought to the world stage. While it is an important source of exercise and healthy activity, millions join in and practice daily.

The Tuesday, May 27, 2025, curtain raiser ceremony at the Indian High Commission in Kampala city kicked off activities expected to be conducted in different cities around the country, including Jinja, Mbale, Gulu and Hoima, according to the India High Commissioner to Uganda, Upender Singh Rawat.

The curtain raiser event organised by HSS Uganda – Hindu SwayamSevak Sangh Uganda and Sewa International Uganda, in conjunction with the Indian High Commission and the Indian Association in Uganda, saw guests take part in yoga sessions. (Courtesy Photos)

This year marks the 11th International Day of Yoga under the theme: Yoga for One Earth, One Health.

"This year's theme has been designed to highlight yoga's role in promoting physical and mental wellbeing, aligning with global calls for sustainability and unity," Rawat said, adding that doing yoga every day has improved his mental and physical health.

According to Rawat, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined 10 signature events to headline this year's International Day of Yoga, including the ‘Yoga Sangam’, a synchronised yoga demonstration at 100,000 locations; ‘Yoga Bandha’, global exchange programmes and knowledge sessions; ‘Yoga Parks’, for long-term community engagement and ‘Yoga Samavesh’, special sessions for the differently-abled, senior citizens, children and marginalised groups.

The curtain raiser event organised by HSS Uganda – Hindu SwayamSevak Sangh Uganda and Sewa International Uganda, in conjunction with the Indian High Commission and the Indian Association in Uganda, saw guests take part in yoga sessions.

The guests were reminded about the benefits of physical activity, including preventing and treating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and breast and colon cancer. It also helps prevent hypertension, overweight and obesity and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being.

Promoting the practise of yoga in society is in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s global action plan to promote physical activity.

Yoga was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. The philosophy behind the ancient Indian practice of yoga has influenced various aspects of how society in India functions, whether it be in relation to areas such as health and medicine or education and the arts. 

Sewa International Ltd Uganda chairperson Ramesh Babu, who thanked community chairpersons for spreading awareness about yoga, said the group has spread yoga to several places, including Burundi and several schools. 

He urged Ugandans to register for the celebrations during which participants will be given a free yoga mat, notebook and T-shirt.

What is Yoga and why do we celebrate it?

Yoga, according to the United Nations (UN) is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.

Today, it is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

Recognising its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.

The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising yoga.

The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states.

The proposal was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, in which he said: “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature.”

The resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.”

Vision Group scribes Steven Denis Matege, and David Lumu during the curtain raiser ceremony at the Indian High Commission in Kampala.

In this regard, the World Health Organization has also urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.

But yoga is more than a physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”