Kathmandu — Nepal observed the 10th National Yoga Day today under the theme “Yoga for a Healthy Society, Prosperous Nepal, and World Peace.” Various programs were held across the country to celebrate the day.
The government officially declared January 15 (Magh 1) as National Yoga Day during a cabinet meeting in 2015, following a proposal by then Minister for Peace and Reconstruction, Narahari Acharya. The Ministry of Education was assigned to coordinate the celebrations.
Yoga, rooted in the Vedic traditions of the Himalayas, had seen a decline in Nepal but is now experiencing a revival. Once practiced by sages for spiritual and physical wellbeing, yoga is now regaining popularity among Nepalis — partly inspired by its widespread use in Western countries for mental peace and healing.
On the global stage, International Yoga Day is observed on June 21. It was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 69th UN General Assembly and received swift support from Nepal’s then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. The day holds a record for being endorsed by 177 countries within 90 days of proposal.
In Nepal, the push for a national-level celebration began after the global recognition of Yoga Day. The first formal yoga training began at Nardevi Ayurvedic Hospital in 1992, with further expansion to Dang’s regional Ayurvedic center in 2001.
Yoga is deeply tied to ancient medical texts like the Charaka Samhita and philosophical scriptures such as the Geeta and Atharva Veda. It emphasizes mastery over the mind, physical discipline, and balanced living.
Educational institutions such as Balmiki Vidyapeeth under Nepal Sanskrit University now offer postgraduate programs in yoga and natural medicine. While yoga education has been included as an elective in school curricula since 1994, a lack of trained professionals has limited its reach.
Today’s main event was held at Nepal Academy, organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. A morning procession began from Shanti Batika in Ratnapark, and Kathmandu Metropolitan City will continue training sessions until January 18 in honor of the occasion.
