10th national Yoga days Celebration

National Yoga Day Magh 1 (15th Jan, 2025) Celebration in Kathmandu: A Grand Gathering of 1000 Yogis and Honoring Yoga Masters

Kathmandu, the heart of Nepal, witnessed a magnificent celebration on Magh 1, 2025 (January 15, 2025), marking the National Yoga Day. The event was a vibrant display of Nepal’s deep-rooted connection to yoga, with 1000 yogis participating in an awe-inspiring 108 Sun Salutation program. This grand gathering, organized by Ashtanga Yoga Nepal and supported by various other yoga organizations, aimed not only to promote the ancient practice but also to honor the contributions of yoga masters and organizations that have played a pivotal role in making yoga a global phenomenon.

The 108 Sun Salutation Program

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the 108 Sun Salutations—a traditional yoga practice known for its spiritual significance and health benefits. It is a series of 12 poses performed in a flow, synchronized with breath, and repeated 9 times, resulting in a total of 108 salutations. The number 108 is considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, and yogic traditions, symbolizing the universe and spiritual completion.

Held at Rashtriya Maidan (National Grounds), the event saw 1000 yogis—from seasoned practitioners to beginners—coming together to perform the 108 Sun Salutations in unison. The collective energy and unity of such a large group, all moving in harmony and synchronized breath, created a powerful atmosphere of peace and spirituality. It was a testament to Nepal’s growing role as a hub for yoga and mindfulness.

Honoring Yoga Masters and Organizations

Alongside the Sun Salutation program, the day also focused on honoring the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations that have shaped Nepal’s yoga culture. Yoga masters, many of whom have dedicated their lives to teaching and spreading yoga, were recognized for their unwavering commitment to the practice and their significant impact on communities both locally and internationally. These masters, whose teachings have reached across continents, were celebrated for their role in preserving and passing on the ancient wisdom of yoga to future generations.

Additionally, organizations that have been instrumental in promoting yoga and wellness in Nepal, including Ashtanga Yoga Nepal, Yoga Alliance Nepal, and others, were acknowledged for their tireless efforts in spreading awareness and creating opportunities for people to embrace yoga. These organizations have been pivotal in hosting workshops, retreats, and teacher training programs, making yoga more accessible to people from all walks of life.

A Message from Yogi Rupak, President of Ashtanga Yoga Nepal

Yogi Rupak, the president of Ashtanga Yoga Nepal, expressed his enthusiasm and vision for the future of yoga in Nepal. In his address, he emphasized the importance of such events in placing Nepal firmly on the global map as a yoga destination. He said, “Through events like today’s 108 Sun Salutation program, we are sending a clear message to the world that Nepal is a land of yoga. We are not only preserving this ancient tradition but also promoting it globally as a way of life.”

Yogi Rupak’s vision is to establish Nepal as a leading yoga center, where people from all over the world can come to learn and experience authentic yoga practices. He highlighted how yoga can play a vital role in promoting health, peace, and mental well-being, especially in a world where stress and anxiety are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Nepal: The Yoga Country of the World

The celebration of National Yoga Day on Magh 1 is part of a larger effort to position Nepal as the global center of yoga. The country, with its deep spiritual heritage, has always been home to various forms of meditation and yoga. From the majestic Himalayas to its spiritual temples, Nepal offers the perfect environment for people to reconnect with themselves through the practice of yoga.

This event was a reminder of Nepal’s historical and cultural connection to yoga and its potential to become a global leader in wellness and spirituality.

In conclusion, the National Yoga Day Magh 1 Celebration in Kathmandu was not just an event, but a movement—one that highlighted Nepal’s pivotal role in promoting yoga to the world. It was a beautiful celebration of the ancient practice, the masters who have preserved it, and the organizations working tirelessly to share its benefits with the world