AKP Phnom Penh, June 20, 2026 --

The 12th International Day of Yoga will be observed in Cambodia on 21 June 2026 with the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. It is an occasion which carries deeper meaning beyond physical exercise and will bring together Yoga practitioners and people from different walks of life to celebrate healthy living, harmony, culture and civilisational friendship.

The theme of the 12th International Day of Yoga “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” is a timely reminder to societies around the world on the need to promote holistic well-being and to adopt Yoga as a means to achieve improved quality of life across all age groups. It also reflects the growing universal recognition of Yoga’s transformative potential to deliver physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Yoga originated in ancient India as a holistic discipline that unites body and mind, man and nature. Over many centuries, Yoga has transcended societies and geographies and today it has become a global movement as it is embraced across continents as a trusted pathway to healthy and active living. It was because of this recognition that Yoga received the support of 177 countries when it was decided to adopt 21 June as the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations in December 2014.

The benefits of yoga continue to be relevant today. Regular practice can improve flexibility, posture, balance and strength. Breathing exercises and meditation can help reduce stress, sharpen concentration and support emotional stability. Yoga also complements the broader message of preventive health and sustainable living. For students, yoga can enhance focus and discipline. For working professionals, it offers a way to manage pressure. For older adults, gentle yoga can support mobility and balance. For communities, group practice promotes a sense of calm, inclusion and collective well-being. 

In Cambodia, we have been celebrating the International Day of Yoga since 2015. The celebrations of the International Day of Yoga have contributed meaningfully to the growth of yoga following in this beautiful country. In the run up to the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy has also partnered with both government and non government organisations, including with the Ministries of Tourism, Civil Service and Women Affairs, with educational institutions like Puthisastra University, Preah Sihanoukraja Buddhist University, Kirorom Institute of Technology, Royal University of Fine Arts, India Cambodia Friendship School etc  and on 19 June, we had organised an event to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga in front of the Royal Independence Park in Siem Reap which was graced by His Excellency Hout Hak, Minister of Tourism.

The 12th International Day of Yoga will be celebrated with a major event at Phnom Penh scenic riverside on the morning of 21 June. Through these efforts we hope to promote healthy and balanced living, introduce cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to larger audiences in India and thereby connecting the peoples and cultures of our two countries together.

Yoga’s cultural significance is equally important. India and Cambodia are two countries which possess traditions that value harmony between the individual and the wider world. Balance between body, mind and environment, which is achieved through regular practice of Yoga connects well with our collective respect for nature, spirituality and community. It is, therefore, fitting that the International Day of Yoga is being celebrated enthusiastically in this beautiful country.

As I had also indicated in a similar article last year, a  systematic practice of Yoga and following the Common Yoga Protocol  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av5ib_XRKT4&t=8s ), which is showcased as part of the annual International Day of Yoga is a good starting point to achieve physical and mental balance. I will also recommend that you watch and practice following the animated 3D videos of the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, a keen practitioner of Yoga at the link https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKrFtLRqyz6MWIswWKBazJOux333ZMyvX  ,to guide you further .

For those of you who are interested in regular yoga practice, you are most welcome to join our Yoga classes at the Embassy’s Yoga and Dance centre located at No. 42, Street 214, Phnom Penh.

I extend my best wishes for good health and happiness to all the readers on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga.

By Vanlalvawna Bawitlung

Ambassador of India to Cambodia

(Views expressed are personal.)