Kathmandu, Nepal - The second World Meditation Day, officially recognized by the United Nations, is set to be celebrated on Sunday, December 21, with a major national event at Tundikhel, Kathmandu.
At a press conference held today at Osho Tapovan, Bodhisattva Swami Anand Arun, a key advocate of the meditation day initiative, announced details of the upcoming observance. He confirmed that the program will be conducted under the government’s sponsorship, marking a continuation of official support following last year’s inaugural celebration.
UN Recognition After Decade-Long Advocacy
The United Nations formally adopted the resolution declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day on December 7, 2024, following persistent efforts by Nepali proponents of meditation and spiritual heritage. Swami Anand Arun highlighted that the proposal was championed by Nepal alongside representatives from 18 countries, and represented the culmination of 11 years of advocacy since its conception in 2014.
“This achievement is a source of pride for Nepal and Nepalis worldwide,” he said, emphasizing the nation’s cultural and geographic connection to meditation, with roots in the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayan region.
Vision to Establish Nepal as the ‘Meditation Capital of the World’
Swami Anand Arun underscored the potential of Nepal to become the global center of meditation and spiritual tourism. “Meditation has transcended religious boundaries and is increasingly accepted as a science - even in predominantly Muslim countries,” he explained. He pointed to the presence of practitioners from over 110 countries who have visited Tapovan, and the existence of 90 meditation centers affiliated with Osho Tapovan across Nepal, with additional branches in the United States, Australia, Russia, and other nations.
He urged the state to take strategic leadership in promoting spiritual tourism and positioning Nepal as a destination for mindfulness and global peace.
Reflections on National Challenges and Youth Dissatisfaction
In his address, Swami Anand Arun also commented on Nepal’s current socio-political environment. He attributed rising youth discontent and the recent surge in generational activism - notably the ‘Gen Z movement’ - to political instability and lack of visionary leadership.
“We are a resource-rich country, yet we are languishing as if begging at a gold mine,” he stated, calling for constructive reforms and a focus on spiritual as well as social well-being.
He emphasized the role of meditation in mitigating negative energies and fostering peace and resilience in society.
Call for Participation
The press conference concluded with an open invitation for citizens from all walks of life to join the World Meditation Day event at Tundikhel on Sunday. Organizers said the program will feature guided meditative sessions, expert talks, and cultural expressions aimed at promoting mental wellness, harmony, and collective unity.
