Kathmandu: To celebrate the 12th edition of the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and the Consulate General of India in Birgunj organised 22 yoga events, which saw participation of more than 13000 yoga enthusiasts across 11 cities and municipalities in Nepal which included Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lamjung, Lumbini, Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Sakhua Parsauni, Pokharia and Bariyarpur.
In keeping with this year’s theme of “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the Embassy of India organised a curtain raiser event, including a yoga demonstration, at the revered Pashupatinath Temple on 15 May 2026.
The Embassy of India organized Yoga posture demonstrations at six UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, namely: Pashupatinath Temple on 15 May; Kathmandu Durbar Square on 21 May; Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa on 22 May; Changu Narayan Temple on 26 May; and Patan Durbar Square on 7 June. These events saw active participation from Yoga enthusiasts, celebrities, local authorities, social media influencers, yoga institutions in Nepal, and members of the Indian diaspora.
Separately, a yoga session with participation of more than 200 students from various schools in Kathmandu was organized at the premises of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kathmandu on 5 June 2026.
The Embassy partnered with the Ayurveda Campus of Tribhuvan University to organize a yoga event on 16 June 2026. An Ayurveda Expo which included an exhibition on Ayurvedic products for the students from several schools and the University, along with a lecture on “Ayurveda for Psychological Wellbeing”, highlighting the importance and benefits of Ayurveda for holistic wellbeing was also organized.
On 19 June 2026, a yoga demonstration was held at the picturesque Lamjung district, in collaboration with the Madhya Nepal Municipality. In a similar spirit, the Embassy of India conducted Yoga demonstrations at three prominent landmarks in Pokhara: the Sarangkot viewpoint, renowned for its panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range; the Shiva Temple at Pumdikot, where spiritual serenity meets breathtaking vistas; and the Shanti Stupa, gracefully located on the scenic Anadu Hill.
Continuing the celebration of yoga, the Embassy of India hosted a large-scale yoga and meditation session on 20 June 2026 along the serene banks of Phewa Lake in Pokhara. With over 400 participants in attendance, the event highlighted Yoga’s profound ability to connect humans with nature.
On 20 June 2026, the Embassy of India hosted a large-scale yoga demonstration in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust in Lumbini, drawing participation from over 600 yoga enthusiasts. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Lumbini, Mr. Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar as the Chief Guest. A yoga demonstration was also held at the Mayadevi Temple complex, the birthplace of Lord Budhha.
The main highlight of the International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations in Nepal was a grand yoga demonstration held at Pokhara’s Rangsala Stadium on 21 June 2026, in collaboration with the Pokhara Metropolitan City. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of over 8000 yoga practitioners and was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Mr. Surendra Raj Pandey as the Chief Guest along with the Ambassador of India to Nepal Shri Naveen Srivastava and representatives of Pokhra Metropolitan City and Kaski District Administration. The enthusiastic participation on such a large scale reflects the growing adoption of Yoga as a way of healthy lifestyle. It also reflects the strong people-to- people ties between India and Nepal. The event was also live streamed from the Embassy’s social media platforms.
The Consulate General of India in Birgunj also organised International Day of Yoga events in Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Sakhua Parsauni, Pokharia and Bariyarpur.
This year’s celebration of Yoga events witnessed engagements with Government authorities, local institutions, Schools, Universities, Metropolitan Cities, Cultural heritage sites, Yoga institutions, Indian Diaspora and media fraternity in Nepal.
The Embassy of India in Nepal remains committed to fostering people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges between India and Nepal through celebrations of yoga events
