The enormous popularity of yoga in Vietnam indicates that the country’s wide population has embraced the practice and has a broad awareness of its health benefits, which is in line with a growing global trend. Yoga also represents an important cultural and people-to-people link between India and Vietnam.

India's Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam, Subhash Prasad Gupta, at the ceremony to celebrate International Yoga Day held in Vietnam's northern province of Vinh Phuc on June 15. Photos: Embassy of India in Hanoi

As many as 40 cities and provinces across Vietnam will celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) [June 21] 2024, attracting tens of thousands of practitioners.

This year’s IDY in Vietnam will be observed in Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Quang Ninh, among others.

The public event in Hanoi is scheduled for June 20 at Quan Ngua Sports Complex, Ba Dinh District.

Themed “Yoga for Women’s Empowerment,” the event, held by the Embassy of India, Hanoi, the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City in partnering with various cities/provinces of Vietnam and other organizations, seeks to make yoga a popular movement that prioritizes women’s health and advances peace and well-being throughout the world.

The celebrations are made possible with the support of Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the provincial/city authorities, yoga federations, yoga centers, media, enterprises, and individuals.

Practitioners in Vinh Phuc Province.

Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya said that since 2015, online classes have been available to learners on a daily basis. The Government of India has also offered scholarships for three to four years of study in India. He said the importance of physical exercise and fitness is very appreciated in Vietnam and those aspects are well understood in the country. 

Yoga is a five-thousand-year-old tradition from ancient India that combines physical, mental, and spiritual pursuits to achieve harmony between the body and the mind and between humans and nature.   

Ten years ago, in recognition of its health benefits to the world’s population, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga (IDY), which was proposed by India and co-sponsored by Vietnam. 

The enormous popularity of yoga in Vietnam indicates that the country’s wide population has embraced the practice and has a broad awareness of its health benefits, which is in line with a growing global trend. Yoga also represents an important cultural and people-to-people connection between India and Vietnam.

According to yogis, yoga is a traditional Indian physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. Yoga’s emphasis on meditation, mindful breathing, and gentle movement lowers stress hormone levels, calms the nervous system, and fosters inner peace. Emotional resilience and mental health are enhanced with regular practice.

Practitioners in Vietnam's central province of Quang Binh respond to International Yoga Day on June 16.

In December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in recognition of its universal appeal. In its resolution, the inter-governmental organization noted “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.”

In this regard, the World Health Organization has also called on its member states to assist their populations in decreasing physical inactivity, which is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide and is a major contributor to non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced yoga at the UN General Assembly’s 69th session in 2014, saying that yoga is an invaluable gift from India’s ancient tradition. Yoga embodies the unity of mind and body, thought and action, a holistic approach [that] is valuable for health and well-being. “Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover a sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.”

The goal of the International Day of Yoga is to raise awareness of the many advantages of yoga practice across the world.