Seattle to Host International Day of Yoga 2025 at Waterfront Park: Celebrating “Yoga For One Earth, One Health”

By Linda Lowry

On Saturday, June 21st, the City of Seattle will proudly serve as a host city for the 2025 International Day of Yoga (IDY)—a global celebration recognized in 193 countries around the world. This year’s gathering is co-hosted by the Consulate General of India in Seattle and Friends of Waterfront Seattle, bringing the community together at Waterfront Park on Pier 62 from 8:00 to 9:30 AM for a shared experience of movement, mindfulness, and connection.

The theme for 2025, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlights the deep connection between personal well-being and the health of our planet. Yoga is more than just a physical practice; it is a timeless philosophy that originated in ancient India, promoting balance, awareness, and unity of body, mind, and spirit. The term "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj," which means "to unite," reflecting the essence of this communal celebration.

Reel credit: Linda Lowry

Yoga's history dates back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization. Its teachings have been preserved through sacred texts like the Vedas and Upanishads and have evolved into the Yoga Sutras attributed to the sage Patanjali. What started as a spiritual practice has flourished over centuries and across continents, finding its place in temples, studios, and public parks, becoming a universal expression of resilience and reflection.

Today, modern science supports the wisdom of ancient yoga practitioners. Yoga enhances physical health by improving flexibility, posture, and cardiovascular function, while also reducing stress, lowering anxiety, and calming inflammation. Most importantly, it encourages us to pause and reconnect, fostering a deep sense of inner peace, clarity, and compassion in our busy lives. Yoga serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, providing a timeless path for balance, healing, and self-discovery. Its lasting significance lies in its ability to adapt to the needs of each generation while remaining rooted in ancient wisdom.

The International Day of Yoga was established by the United Nations in 2014 and has since evolved into a powerful global movement. In 2025, celebrations will take place in 15 major cities, with Seattle proudly hosting the signature West Coast event. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer, this free and inclusive gathering welcomes participants of all ages and abilities.

As Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, so eloquently shared:

“Yoga strengthens feelings, expands the inner vision, and connects us with that consciousness which makes us feel the unity of the living being—giving a basis of love for the living being.”

Join your neighbors, friends, and fellow wellness seekers to breathe, stretch, and celebrate the power of unity—one breath, one Earth, one vibrant community.

For more information on International Day of Yoga, visit 2025 International Day of Yoga (IDY) and Consulate General of India in Seattle.   

photo credits: General Council of India