Kathmandu, June 21 - As concerns over mental stress, sedentary lifestyles, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases continue to rise, yoga is attracting increasing attention in Nepal as a practical and holistic approach to maintaining health and well-being.
Marking the International Day of Yoga under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” health experts, yoga practitioners, and government institutions have emphasized the importance of integrating yoga into daily life to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
According to Dr. Basudev Upadhyay, Director General of the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine, regular yoga practice not only improves physical flexibility but also enhances mental peace, emotional stability, self-confidence, and self-reliance. He noted that yoga has emerged as a simple, accessible, effective, and scientifically recognized practice capable of addressing many of the health challenges associated with modern lifestyles.
“People today are increasingly facing mental stress, irregular routines, and the risk of various non-communicable diseases,” Dr. Upadhyay said, adding that yoga can play a vital role in fostering a healthier and more balanced way of life.
Health professionals also highlighted yoga’s significance for ageing populations. As physical activity declines and bodily functions gradually weaken with age, yoga can help maintain mobility, concentration, and overall quality of life. Experts view it as an important foundation for healthy ageing and active living.
Former Director General of the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine, Dr. Pradeep KC, described yoga as a globally recognized tool for health promotion. He emphasized that yoga helps establish harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, contributing to overall well-being.
In Nepal, the International Day of Yoga is being observed through collaborative efforts led by the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine, together with the National Ayurveda Research and Training Center, Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine Hospitals in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, and the Ayurveda Campus.
Yoga advocates have also stressed the need to broaden public understanding of yoga beyond physical postures. Ramesh Nepal, founder of Jeevan Vigyan in Chabahil, noted that yoga is often narrowly interpreted as a series of exercises, while its deeper philosophical and lifestyle dimensions receive less attention. He also pointed to the increasing commercialization of yoga globally, a trend that is gradually becoming visible in Nepal.
Meanwhile, yoga and naturopathy specialist Dr. Hariprasad Pokharel stated that Nepal has a long historical connection with the origin and development of yoga traditions. Similarly, Dr. Anand Gaire, Associate Professor at Tribhuvan University, observed that practices once confined to sages and spiritual seekers have now become accessible to the wider public.
The International Day of Yoga has been observed worldwide since the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014. Since then, countries across the globe have organized awareness campaigns and public events each year to highlight the benefits of yoga, its scientific foundations, and its contribution to human health.
As Nepal joins the global celebration, experts believe that adopting yoga as a daily practice can contribute significantly to healthier communities, improved mental well-being, and more active ageing in the years ahead.
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