KKN Gurugram Desk | The 11th International Yoga Day was celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm across Bihar, with the central event held at Pataliputra Sports Complex in Patna. The celebration was led by Bihar’s Health Minister Mangal Pandey, with Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, senior political leaders, and top bureaucrats in attendance.

Marking a moment of unity, wellness, and cultural pride, the event aimed to highlight the global relevance of yoga and its growing importance in daily life, especially in light of this year’s theme — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”.

Yoga for Global Well-being: Bihar Echoes India’s Message

Addressing the gathering, Health Minister Mangal Pandey emphasized the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who proposed the idea of an International Yoga Day at the United Nations in 2014, a move that led to June 21 being recognized globally as a day to celebrate and practice yoga.

“This is not just a routine observance. It is a recognition of India’s ancient wisdom. Through yoga, the world has found a holistic solution to both physical and mental well-being,” Pandey said.

He further added, “The theme this year — One Earth, One Health — reflects the need for sustainable living and health harmony. Yoga aligns our body, mind, and soul, helping us achieve inner balance and long-term wellness.”

A Mass Gathering with a Message

Thousands of participants, including schoolchildren, college students, medical staff, civil servants, and citizens, gathered early morning at Pataliputra Stadium, stretching their bodies in synchrony under expert guidance.

The presence of Bihar’s top political leadership, including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, underscored the state’s commitment to integrating wellness practices into public life. They participated in the common yoga protocol, promoting awareness and encouraging every citizen to make yoga a part of their routine.

Health is Wealth: Political Leaders Promote Yoga’s Role in Lifestyle

Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary spoke passionately about yoga’s transformative impact, especially for youth. “Yoga is not just about physical postures. It teaches discipline, patience, and mindfulness. These qualities are essential for our younger generation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vijay Kumar Sinha, the other Deputy CM, highlighted how yoga promotes emotional resilience. “In times of stress, yoga offers calm. In moments of distraction, yoga brings focus. It’s a gift from our culture to the world.”

A Cultural Revival: Yoga Accepted Worldwide

Health Minister Mangal Pandey also reminded the audience that what was once an ancient Indian practice has now been universally embraced. “The world has now accepted yoga as a lifestyle. It’s no longer limited to India. Whether it’s New York, London, Tokyo, or Nairobi — people across the globe are realizing its health benefits,” he said.

He added that on this day, across all districts of Bihar, yoga events were organized by the state health department, ensuring that International Yoga Day reaches every corner of the state — from government offices to village schools.

Youth and Yoga: A Powerful Message for the Future

Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal, who also addressed the event, stressed on integrating yoga into the lives of the youth. “On this International Yoga Day, we must inspire every young person to adopt yoga not just for fitness, but as a value system. Yoga builds not only the body but also character,” he remarked.

He cheekily noted, “There are two types of yoga in Bihar these days — the real yoga that focuses on wellness, and the political yoga that some people practice for personal gain. Today, we are celebrating real yoga — the yoga that transforms lives, not headlines.”

Participation Beyond Politics

Also present were Bihar’s Road Construction Minister Nitin Naveen, senior BJP functionaries, government officers, and spiritual organizations. Together, they highlighted how yoga transcends politics, regions, and religions, uniting people in a shared goal of health and mindfulness.

Participants followed a guided 45-minute Common Yoga Protocol, which included asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation — demonstrating unity in action across age groups and backgrounds.

The Global Reach of International Yoga Day

Since its inception, International Yoga Day has grown from being an Indian initiative to a global movement, with events being held in over 180 countries. In 2025, the campaign is especially focused on “Yoga for All”, with initiatives targeted at elderly populations, office workers, students, and even prison inmates.

India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been spearheading yoga diplomacy, using the practice to foster global wellness and spiritual harmony. His commitment was evident again this year as he addressed the global community via video message, stating, “Yoga is India’s gift to humanity, and today, the world has accepted it with open arms.”

What Makes June 21 Special for Yoga?

The date, June 21, was chosen because it is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. According to Indian mythology, this is the day when Lord Shiva, the first yogi (Adiyogi), is believed to have begun imparting knowledge of yoga to his disciples — making it a spiritually significant day for practitioners.

The 11th International Yoga Day celebration in Patna showcased how Bihar is embracing a health-first approach by promoting yoga at both grassroots and leadership levels. The grand gathering at Pataliputra Sports Complex, attended by the state’s political brass and citizens alike, served as a strong message — that yoga is not a luxury but a necessity in today’s fast-paced world.

As the global spotlight shines on wellness and mental health, Bihar’s celebration aligns with India’s vision of making “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” a lived reality.