As the world prepares to mark the 10th Anniversary of International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2025, this milestone represents not only a decade of global recognition for an ancient Indian practice but also a significant moment to reflect on yoga's transformative impact on humanity's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This momentous anniversary celebrates yoga's journey from an ancient Indian wisdom tradition to a globally embraced practice that transcends cultural boundaries and unites people across the world, including the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

 The Ancient Indian Wisdom of Yoga

 Yoga is a profound cultural and spiritual heritage from India that originated thousands of years ago, predating the earliest religious systems. Archaeological evidence, including yogi-like figures engraved on soapstone seals, confirms that yoga culture existed more than 5,000 years ago. This ancient practice fundamentally focuses on creating harmony between body and mind, thought and action, restraint and fulfillment, and between humans and nature.

 Far from being merely a series of physical exercises, yoga is an 'anuśāsanam' (discipline) that develops the overall physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of an individual's personality. It encompasses a comprehensive system of practices including Āsana (psycho-physiological postures), Prāṇāyāma (breath regulation techniques), Pratyāhāra (withdrawal of senses), Dhāraṇā (concentration), and Dhyāna (meditation). These techniques collectively form a holistic approach to achieving complete health and wellness.

 The wisdom of yoga was developed by ancient Indian ‘ṛṣis’ (sages) specifically to address human suffering and its root cause, which yogic philosophy identifies as 'avidyā' or ignorance. These sages carried yogic knowledge to different parts of the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Northern Africa, and South America, establishing yoga as one of humanity's most enduring wisdom traditions.

 The Philosophy Behind the Practice

 Yoga philosophy encompasses various schools of thought that developed over millennia. Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra, which outlines the eight-limbed path of yoga, remains one of the most influential texts in yoga tradition. Similarly, the Bhagavad Gītā elaborates on Jñāna-yoga (the yoga of knowledge), Bhakti-yoga (the yoga of devotion), and Karma-yoga (the yoga of action) – three approaches that continue to represent the highest expressions of human wisdom.

 Yoga for Holistic Well-being

 In today's fast-paced world, yoga offers a scientifically-validated approach to holistic health that addresses both physical and psychological dimensions of human existence. Regular yoga practice delivers numerous benefits that enhance overall quality of life and mental well-being.

 Mental Health Benefits

 Yoga has been recognized for its substantial positive impact on mental health. Regular practice enhances mental clarity, allowing for sharper focus and clearer thinking in daily life. Its stress-reducing properties help in managing depression, anxiety, and chronic stress conditions that have become increasingly prevalent in modern society.

 The concentration required during yoga practice translates to improved attention spans and concentration abilities in everyday activities. Many practitioners also report better sleep quality due to the relaxation techniques incorporated in yoga routines.

 From a neurobiological perspective, yoga can significantly affect brain function. It helps reduce stress hormones while increasing the production of "feel-good" hormones, leading to improved mood and overall mental well-being. Additionally, research suggests yoga may boost the production of gray matter in the brain, which is involved in muscle control and sensory perception.

 Self-awareness and Spiritual Development

 Beyond physical and mental benefits, yoga cultivates self-awareness by encouraging practitioners to listen attentively to their bodies and minds. This heightened awareness fosters a deeper understanding of one's emotions and thoughts, contributing to personal growth and spiritual development. This aspect of yoga makes it not just a physical exercise but a comprehensive path to self-realization and enlightenment.

 A Decade of International Recognition

 The International Day of Yoga, first celebrated in 2015, marks its tenth anniversary in 2025. This global celebration has grown significantly over the past decade, becoming one of the most widely observed international days worldwide. The upcoming 11th edition of IDY on June 21, 2025, represents a milestone in yoga's global journey and recognition.

 The 11th International Day of Yoga in 2025 will be a landmark celebration focusing not only on commemorating the past decade but also on expanding yoga's reach and impact in the future. The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, has already begun preparations for this significant anniversary with the Yoga Mahotsav-2025 organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga on March 13, 2025, as a curtain-raiser to IDY-2025. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the theme for IDY 2025 is "Yoga for One Earth, One Health". The Prime Minister has also appealed to everyone to include Yoga into their routine and take pride in the country’s traditional wisdom for overall well being.

 Signature Events for IDY 2025 by India

 To make the 10th anniversary truly exceptional, ten signature events have been planned by India for IDY 2025:

 1. Yoga Sangam (Flagship Event): This centrepiece of the celebrations will feature a synchronized mass yoga performance based on the Common Yoga Protocol at 10,000 locations across India.

 2. Yoga Bandhan: Joint yoga programs with ten selected partner countries will highlight the historical and cultural significance of yoga in the context of international friendships.

 3. Yoga Connect: A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned yoga gurus, health experts, and influencers from around the world, making yoga accessible to global audiences.

 4. Harit Yoga: This sustainability initiative combines yogic principles with environmental consciousness, including yoga sessions in iconic natural settings and combining practice with tree planting and clean-up campaigns.

 5. Yoga Unplugged: Aimed at engaging younger generations through interactive approaches including social media challenges, competitions, and educational campaigns in educational institutions.

 6. Yoga Maha Kumbh: A week-long yoga festival organized at ten locations across India, serving as culminating events for the celebrations.

 Recognition of Excellence in Yoga

 The Ministry of Ayush organizes the Prime Minister's Awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the promotion and development of yoga. For 2025, the awards include two national-level and two international-level categories, with winners receiving a trophy, certificate, and cash prize of INR 25 lakhs. The nomination process for these prestigious awards began on February 17, 2025, with submissions closing on April 15, 2025.

 Yoga in Cyprus: A Mediterranean Embrace of Eastern Wisdom

 The ancient practice of yoga has found a welcoming home in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, where it has become one of the most popular paths for health and spiritual development. The island's natural beauty, with its stunning shorelines and picturesque mountains, provides an ideal backdrop for yogic practices, especially breathing exercises.

 Accessibility and Variety

 Cyprus offers a rich variety of yoga opportunities across the island. Specialized studios teach diverse types of yoga including hatha, kundalini, vinyasana, and the relatively rare Satyananda yoga. This variety allows residents and visitors to explore different approaches and find the style that best suits their needs and aspirations.

 The island's capital, Nicosia, hosts the highest concentration of yoga studios, with classes also available at fitness centres. Limassol offers an equally impressive selection, including 24-hour centres and a well-established kundalini yoga club that has been running classes and morning sadhanas for 15 years. Larnaca and Paphos also provide various yoga options.

 Relevance for Cypriots

 For the people of Cyprus, yoga offers multiple benefits that align well with the Mediterranean lifestyle and health challenges. The practice provides a valuable counterbalance to the stresses of modern life while complementing the island's traditional emphasis on holistic well-being.

 The Mediterranean climate of Cyprus creates ideal conditions for yoga practice throughout much of the year. Many practitioners take advantage of this by practicing outdoors, connecting with nature while performing asanas on beaches or in mountain settings. This natural environment enhances the practice's benefits and creates opportunities for deeper mind-body connection.

 Celebrations planned in Cyprus by High Commission of India

 High Commission will celebrate 10th Anniversary celebrations of IDY in a befitting manner and several events have been planned in partnership with yoga enthusiasts, yoga studios, educational institutions and local city authorises.  The events will be held at many locations including Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos between 6 April-21 June, 2025. The first curtain raiser event will be held on 6 April 2025 to kick off 75 days to IDY 2025. 

 Conclusion

 As the world prepares to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga in 2025, we are reminded of yoga's remarkable journey from an ancient Indian wisdom tradition to a globally embraced practice for holistic well-being. The upcoming celebrations represent not just a milestone but an opportunity to deepen global commitment to yoga's principles of harmony, balance, and holistic health.

 For the people of Cyprus, as for practitioners worldwide, yoga offers a scientifically-validated approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being that complements local cultural perspectives on health. As IDY 2025 approaches, both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to yoga can look forward to participating in a global movement that continues to bring positive transformation to individuals and communities around the world.

 The anniversary theme of celebrating the past while expanding yoga's future reach perfectly captures the essence of this ancient yet eternally relevant practice—honoring tradition while adapting to contemporary needs. In this spirit, the International Day of Yoga 2025 invites everyone, from India to Cyprus and beyond, to experience the transformative power of yoga as both a personal practice and a global movement for health, harmony, and peace.