AKP Phnom Penh, June 20, 2025 --

On June 21, 2025, the 11th International Day of Yoga will be celebrated in Phnom Penh with the participation of yoga practitioners and enthusiasts. This marks the culmination of the celebrations of the 10th Anniversary of the International Day of Yoga in Cambodia spanning 75 days, in 12 locations covering 3 provinces of Cambodia.

Yoga is rooted in ancient Indian wisdom. Over centuries, Yoga has transcended societies and geographies and has found universal acceptance as a means to achieve a balanced and healthy living as the practice of Yoga goes far beyond physical movement. Today, Yoga is practiced in almost every part of the world and it has grown in popularity with every passing day. 

Recognising its global appeal and the significant role Yoga occupies in the life of different communities across the world, the United Nations adopted India’s proposal to designate the 21st of June as the International Day of Yoga with overwhelming support. As a result of this important initiative, the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually since 2015 including in Cambodia.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”. This underscores the strong linkages between the health of our environment and that of individual wellness and the capacity of Yoga to provide holistic well-being to those who practice it. Yoga offers time tested solutions to deliver inner balance and introduce calmness to the mind, thereby allowing an individual to be at peace with oneself and those around us.

Over the years, Yoga has grown in popularity in Cambodia and there is growing interest in Yoga among different sections of society. Recognising the significance of the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh this year has partnered with various institutions including Ministry of Tourism,  Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports,  Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Phnom Penh Capital Hall, Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, UN Offices Cambodia, Indian Association of Cambodia, Cambodia-India Alumni Association, Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University, Royal University of Fine Arts, Tennis Cambodia, Cambodia-India Friendship School, University of Puthisastra, Asaha Yoga Studio etc. to take Yoga to bring the benefits of Yoga to the next level in Cambodia.

Making Yoga a part of one’s daily life through regular practice is key to ensuring calmness to the mind. Such habits can also guarantee that a person is physically fit and healthy. Yoga as an effective tool to harmonise the body and the mind, is at the crux of its success in providing solutions for many everyday challenges of an individual. The unique poses and stretching exercises of Yoga which have a deep scientific basis  can help reduce tensions in muscles and joints. Systematic practice of Yoga relaxes the muscles and therefore helps in reducing tensions within one’s system. Breathing techniques of Yoga can help an individual to discover one’s true essence and improve balance within the body. It can also help an individual attain a wholesome wellness and bring about positive and enriching transformation in one’s life.

A systematic practice of Yoga and following the Common Yoga Protocol  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av5ib_XRKT4&t=8s ), which is showcased as part of the annual International Day of Yoga is a good starting point to achieve physical and mental balance. I will also recommend that you watch and practice animated 3D videos of the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, a keen practitioner of Yoga at the link https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKrFtLRqyz6MWIswWKBazJOux333ZMyvX  ,to guide you further.

I extend my best wishes for good health and happiness to all the readers on the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga.

By Vanlalvawna Bawitlung

Ambassador of India in Phnom Penh

(Views expressed are his own.)