Hanoi leads 2025 Yoga celebrations in Vietnam

THE HANOI TIMES — As the world celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga on June 21, Hanoi took center stage as the most active locality in Vietnam marking this global event.

Celebrations were held in five major locations throughout May and June, surpassing any other province or city.

Nearly 40 cities and provinces held celebrations for this year's Yoga Day, which was themed "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" to highlight the profound link between individual well-being and the health of the planet.

Hanoi’s four International Day of Yoga 2025 venues highlight its inclusive approach to the global celebration. At the Hanoi University of Education, students and faculty embraced yoga to promote mental well-being and resilience. Meanwhile, the Canh Buom Xanh Tourist Area, with its tranquil, nature-rich environment, aligned with the Plant4Mother campaign.

Then, a large-scale yoga session at Yen So Park, joined by Indian Embassy officials and local leaders, stressed the importance of community health, and the main event at the historic Quan Ngua Multi-sports Complex brought together public figures and diplomats to perform the Common Yoga Protocol, reaffirming Hanoi’s cultural leadership and global outreach.

Indian Ambassador Sandeep Arya stressed Hanoi’s significance in the Vietnamese yoga movement, stating: “The wide interest in yoga across Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, reflects a profound understanding of its health benefits, aligning with President Ho Chi Minh’s emphasis on exercise and well-being.”

Recognized by the United Nations in 2014 and observed annually since 2015, with Vietnam as a co-sponsor, the International Day of Yoga has evolved into a global celebration of holistic health.

Yoga, with its ancient roots and timeless relevance, has transcended borders, languages, and cultures, offering a path to inner peace, mindfulness, and sustainable living.

Hosting a vibrant mix of activities in different venues reflects Hanoi’s modern urban vibrancy and commitment to healthy living and international friendship.

These gatherings are more than just mass yoga sessions; they are a testament to the capital’s dynamic engagement with the international community, with participation from diplomats, public figures, officials, yoga federations, clubs, and citizens from all walks of life, celebrating the shared values of wellness, peace, and environmental harmony.

Notably, the event at Quan Ngua drew large crowds and media attention, cementing Hanoi’s role as the symbolic host of Yoga 2025 in Vietnam.

In a letter to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt appreciation for Vietnam’s strong and sustained support in promoting Yoga over the past decade. He acknowledged Vietnam’s adoption of yoga as a shared human heritage and its support of global efforts to improve physical, mental, and environmental health.

The celebrations convey a broader message that reads Hanoi is not just the political heart of Vietnam but a center for global cultural exchange and holistic development. The city’s leadership, along with active support from the Government of Vietnam and local organizations, has made it possible for yoga to flourish as a wellness practice and a bridge between nations.

As Vietnam strengthens its global integration, Hanoi’s leadership in hosting events like International Yoga Day highlights the city’s role in promoting unity, shared values, and harmony between people and nature.