The heart of Manhattan transformed into a vibrant hub of wellness as thousands gathered in Times Square to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2025. Among the attendees was veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, who expressed immense pride in representing India at the iconic event.

The all-day event, known as Solstice at Times Square, featured multiple yoga sessions and drew nearly 10,000 participants from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. The Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with the Times Square Alliance, hosted the event.

Anupam Kher shared his personal connection to yoga, noting that his grandfather was a yoga teacher. He emphasized the importance of yoga for both physical and mental health, remarking on the positive atmosphere. Kher also expressed his gratitude on Instagram for the invitation to the prestigious event.

Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan welcomed the gathering and highlighted yoga's transformative power, emphasizing its benefits for physical and mental well-being and its role in fostering a deeper connection with nature.

This year’s theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," promoted a holistic vision of health and harmony for the planet and its people. The celebrations are part of a month-long initiative by the Indian Consulate, engaging communities across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Connecticut.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led yoga day celebrations in Visakhapatnam, emphasizing yoga's role in providing a direction of peace during global unrest. Events were held worldwide, from Tokyo to London, with the theme resonating across different cultures and communities.