Nashik 02 May, 2025 : Nashik, the spiritual land of Mahakumbh, witnessed an extraordinary celebration as more than 6,000 Yoga enthusiasts gathered at Gauri Maidan, Panchavati, for the Grand Yoga Mahotsav. This vibrant event marked the 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 and the launch of the Yoga Sangam Portal, a landmark digital platform enabling synchronized Yoga celebrations across over 1,00,000 locations nationwide on 21st June 2025.
The event was graced by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare. Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Shri Jadhav remarked, “Nashik, a sacred city enriched by great souls, fills me with pride. Yoga, once India’s ancient tradition, is now embraced worldwide. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Yoga today is the foundation of life for millions globally.”
He further announced, “With the launch of the Yoga Sangam Portal on Nashik’s sacred soil, we take a monumental step towards celebrating IDY 2025 as a decade-long global festival. Yoga Sangam is more than a celebration; it is a powerful global movement promoting health and unity.”
The Yoga Sangam initiative is one of ten signature events planned for the 11th International Day of Yoga. Designed as a decentralized yet synchronized Yoga demonstration, it aims to create a ripple effect of well-being, as hundreds of thousands come together in unison across India.
Distinguished guests at the Yoga Mahotsav included:
- Shri Bhaskar Murlidhar Bhagare, MP, Lok Sabha, Nashik
- Smt. Devyani Suhas Pharande, MLA, Nashik Central
- Smt. Seema Hiray, MLA, Nashik West
- Shri Rahul Uttamrao Dhikale, MLA, Nashik East
- Lt. Gen. Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar, VC, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS)
- Dr. Vishwas Mandlik, Head, Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nashik
- Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush
Welcoming the guests, Ms. Monalisa Dash highlighted India’s timeless principle, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family—symbolizing global brotherhood and harmony through Yoga.
The event focused on the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), developed by leading experts to integrate practices like Pranayama and Dhyana into daily routines for enhanced flexibility, strength, and balance. Demonstrators from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), led by Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, showcased the CYP live. Over 6,000 participants performed in unison, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collective energy, streamed live across the Ministry of Ayush’s social media platforms.
This Nashik Mahotsav is part of a larger nationwide movement leading to IDY 2025. Earlier milestones included celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi (100-day countdown) and Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar (75-day countdown).
10 Signature Events of IDY 2025:
- Yoga Sangam – Yoga at 1,00,000 locations nationwide
- Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries
- Yoga Parks – 1,000 parks for long-term engagement
- Yoga Samavesh – Special sessions for Divyangjan, seniors, children, marginalized groups
- Yoga Prabhav – Impact assessment on Yoga and public health
- Yoga Connect – Virtual Global Yoga Summit
- Harit Yoga – Yoga combined with tree planting & clean-ups
- Yoga Unplugged – Engaging youth with Yoga
- Yoga Maha Kumbh – Week-long festival across 10 cities
- SamYogam – Integrating Yoga with modern healthcare
The Yoga Sangam Portal is now live for public registration:
👉 https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga-sangam
IDY: A Global Movement
Since its inception in 2015, IDY has evolved into a global wellness movement:
- 2015, New Delhi: 35,985 participants, 2 Guinness Records
- 2016, Chandigarh: First participation by 150 Divyangjan
- 2017, Lucknow: Yoga as affordable ‘health insurance’
- 2018, Dehradun: “Yoga for Public Health,” ISRO apps launched
- 2019, Ranchi: Eco-friendly Yoga for heart care
- 2020, Virtual: 12 crore online participants amid the pandemic
- 2021, Virtual: 496 million global reach
- 2022, Mysuru: 15,000 participants, global Yoga relay
- 2023, Jabalpur & UN HQ: 23 crore participants, 2 Guinness Records
- 2024, Srinagar: 24.53 crore global participation, record pledges in Uttar Pradesh
As India marches towards IDY 2025, these initiatives reaffirm the Government’s commitment to promoting holistic health, wellness, and environmental sustainability through Yoga, uniting millions in the spirit of global solidarity.
