Pacific Nations Celebrate 11th International Yoga Day with Strong Community Participation

NEW DELHI: Several Pacific countries, including New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga, came together on Saturday to celebrate the 11th International Yoga Day, with events attracting participants from local and international communities.

In New Zealand, over 150 yoga enthusiasts from Kiwi, Indian, and other international backgrounds gathered at the High Commission of India. The event, organised in collaboration with Heartfulness, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, and Art of Living, saw former New Zealand Governor Anand Satyanand attending as the chief guest. The Indian High Commission also shared moments from the celebrations on social media, including activities held at the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament building.

In Papua New Guinea, the Indian High Commission partnered with the Active City Development Programme (ACDP) to host a Yoga Day event at Ela Beach in Port Moresby. The event attracted over 250 participants from diverse communities. Papua New Guinea Governor Powes Parkop, who attended as Chief Guest, spoke about the personal impact yoga has had on him, saying it had “transformed his life.” Mukesh Kumar Ambasta, Charge d'Affaires of the Indian High Commission in Papua New Guinea, highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” explaining it reflects “the deep connection between personal well-being and planetary health.”

In Tonga, around 60 yoga enthusiasts took part in the celebrations at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nuku’alofa. This event was jointly organised by the Indian High Commission, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of Fiji, and the Tongan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Tongan Health Minister Ana Akaola also in attendance.

Fiji hosted its Yoga Day event at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, organised by the Indian High Commission and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. Fijian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad attended as the Chief Guest. The Indian High Commission in Suva expressed their gratitude on social media: “Grateful to Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Fiji, for joining as the Chief Guest. Heartfelt thanks to all yoga enthusiasts – including diplomats, the diaspora, and media members – who made today’s event truly special.” Reflecting on the occasion, Biman Prasad posted, “As we mark International Day of Yoga, let us reflect on yoga's power to heal, unite and inspire. Yoga for ‘One Earth, One Health’ reminds us to care for ourselves & our planet. A few minutes a day can transform lives.”

Across these Pacific nations, the celebrations highlighted yoga’s role in promoting wellness, unity, and a deeper awareness of the connection between individual health and the planet’s well-being.