Durban to Host the 11th International Day of Yoga in 2025

The Durban beachfront is set to become a vibrant centre of wellness and unity as the city prepares to host the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on Saturday, 21 June 2025, at the North Beach Amphitheatre.

The event has attracted growing support from provincial and national government, international organisations, non-profits, private-sector partners and the United Nations.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has formally partnered with the Durban celebration.

This endorsement aligns with UNESCO’s mission to promote peace, culture and sustainable development, and acknowledges Durban’s proximity to the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Organised by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, the main celebration will be preceded by a series of inclusive curtain-raiser events aimed at physical and mental wellness. One o fthe key highlights is a special yoga session for the elderly, taking place in KwaMashu.

Led by experienced instructors, the session will include gentle stretches, breathing exercises and guided meditation designed to promote healthy ageing and community connection.

“We are thrilled to have the honourable South African High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklall, join us for the KwaMashu event,” said Ishwar Ramlutchman, president of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation and a member of the AmaZulu Royal Household.

“Our goal is to promote healthy living while celebrating the rich diversity of our communities.”

This year’s IDY theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health, and Oneness,” is expected to draw more than 3 000 participants from across South Africa and abroad.

Durban has also been officially designated as the permanent host city for the International Day of Yoga in South Africa.

“Durban is a natural home for this global celebration. It’s a city that embraces multiculturalism, wellness, and unity,” said Ramlutchman.

“This year’s celebration is particularly meaningful as it also commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of His Holiness Sri Swami Sahajananda, a revered spiritual leader who uplifted underprivileged communities through yoga-inspired service, education, and healthcare,” he said.

Support for the event includes the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, Premier Thami Ntuli, the National Department of Health, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, and several private-sector stakeholders.

Pre-Events Leading to the Main Yoga Day Celebration

• Thursday, June 5 | 9:00 AM – 12 noon Yoga Mahotsav Programme Venue: Giant’s Castle Game Reserve, Drakensberg (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Sunday, June 15 | 9:00 AM – 12 noon Yoga for One Earth, One Health, and Oneness Venue: Congo Grounds, KwaMashu, Durban Chief Guest: Prof. Anil Sooklall.

Main Event

• Saturday, June 21 | 8:00 AM – 12 noon 11th International Day of Yoga Venue: Durban Amphitheatre, Opposite Elangeni Hotel.