Hundreds of yoga practitioners, students and wellness enthusiasts gathered in Dhaka on Sunday as Bangladesh joined countries around the world in observing the 12th International Day of Yoga, underscoring the growing popularity of the ancient practice beyond its country of origin.
Organized by the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) under the High Commission of India in Dhaka, the event brought together participants from leading yoga institutions, educational organizations and wellness groups at Bashundhara Sports City.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” focused on promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and healthier lifestyles across different age groups at a time when public health experts are increasingly emphasizing preventive healthcare and wellness.
The centerpiece of the celebration was a mass Common Yoga Protocol session, where participants performed a series of standardized yoga postures and breathing exercises under the guidance of instructors from IGCC.
Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe and other senior officials attended the event.
The programme reflected yoga’s expanding presence in Bangladesh, where interest in wellness practices has grown steadily in recent years.
Representatives from several Bangladeshi yoga organizations, including Joysan Yoga, Hu Art of Yoga, Art of Living, Quantum Foundation and Brahma Kumaris, participated in demonstrations throughout the event.
Organizers said the celebration was the culmination of a nationwide awareness campaign that included more than 36 yoga-related programmes across Bangladesh over the past several weeks in collaboration with educational institutions, media organizations and wellness groups.
A special Ayurveda Lounge was also set up at the venue to promote awareness of traditional holistic healthcare practices. The exhibition featured information on Ayurvedic wellness products, healthcare solutions and educational materials.
The International Day of Yoga has been observed globally since 2015 following a United Nations resolution. Since then, Bangladesh has witnessed growing participation in yoga-related activities, with practitioners increasingly viewing the discipline not only as physical exercise but also as a tool for stress management and overall well-being.
Organizers said the event aimed to encourage wider public participation in healthy lifestyle practices and strengthen awareness about the physical and mental health benefits associated with yoga.