Participants attended mass yoga in Phnom Penh on June 21, 2026. (Agence Kampuchea Press)
On June 21, Cambodia joined countries around the world in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga with a large-scale event at Techo Meas Techo Yort Park in Phnom Penh. Organised by the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, the celebration brought together yoga enthusiasts, students, government officials and members of the public to promote health and well-being through the practice of yoga.
Held under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, the event highlighted yoga’s role in supporting healthier and more active lives across all generations. Indian Ambassador to Cambodia Vanlalvawna Bawitlung described the theme as a reminder of the importance of holistic well-being. He said that yoga provides physical, mental and emotional benefits that can help improve the quality of life regardless of age.
The Ambassador also spoke about yoga’s evolution from its ancient Indian origins into a global practice embraced across cultures and continents. Originally developed as a holistic discipline that seeks harmony between the body, mind and nature, yoga has since gained worldwide recognition as an effective pathway to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
The celebration was attended by senior government representatives, officials from various ministries, members of yoga organisations, school students and experienced practitioners. Earlier in the week, another major International Day of Yoga event was held in Siem Reap on June 19, with the Minister of Tourism Huot Hak served as the chief guest.
In the lead-up to this year’s observance, the Embassy of India organised more than 12 yoga events across Cambodia in partnership with government institutions, universities and yoga organisations. The growing number of participants depicts the increasing popularity of yoga in Cambodia. The International Day of Yoga has been observed every year on June 21 since the United Nations adopted the resolution proposed by India in 2014 with the support of 177 member states.
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