AKP Phnom Penh, June 21, 2025 --

Cambodia marked the 11th International Day of Yoga this morning with a public celebration at the park in front of Botum Vattey Pagoda in Phnom Penh, under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

The annual celebration was presided over by H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, and H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to Cambodia. 

Addressing the event, H.E. Huot Hak recalled that the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of India officially established diplomatic relations in 1952; however, their cultural and historical ties span more than a millennium. “The organisation of the 11th International Day of Yoga today is a clear reflection of the deep commitment of both governments— particularly the strong cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia and the Embassy of the Republic of India—in strengthening and expanding the bonds of friendship between our two nations,” he underlined.

H.E Minister also expressed his firm belief that through the joint organisation of various events between Cambodia and India under the framework of the “Cambodia–India Tourism Year 2025”, both nations will be able to widely promote their rich cultures, civilisations, traditions, cuisines, and diverse tourism potentials. These efforts will contribute significantly to strengthening the bonds of friendship, advancing tourism and trade, and fostering cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Cambodia and India.

For his part, H.E. Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung said the celebration is aimed to popularise and spread the message about the usefulness of Yoga to improve both mental and physical health and to enable people to live in harmony with nature and their surroundings. “We are also trying to create awareness about various facets of Cambodia through these yoga events,” he added. 

According to the Ambassador, this year’s theme amplifies the interconnection between the earth and each individual’s health. Yoga strengthens the body, calms the mind and fosters a heightened sense of awareness and responsibility in daily life. This mindfulness allows one to choose healthier and more sustainable lifestyles which will in turn contribute to the health.

A similar celebration was also held in Siem Reap province on June 19.

The United Nations General Assembly officially declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, and Cambodia has observed the event annually since 2016.

By C. Nika