SAN PEDRO CARCHÁ, Guatemala (Diya TV) — Guatemala made history by hosting the largest International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebration ever held outside India. More than 10,000 people gathered at Juan Ramón Ponce Guay Stadium in San Pedro Carchá, Cobán, for a massive group yoga session organized by the Embassy of India.
The event brought together students, teachers, military personnel, and members of the public from across the region. The celebration followed the global theme of “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” promoting physical well-being, mental peace, and environmental harmony.
India’s Ambassador to Guatemala, Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, called the celebration the largest yoga event the Embassy has ever held outside India. He thanked local partners for their support and highlighted yoga’s power to unite people and promote health and peace.
“This is more than just exercise,” Ambassador Mohapatra said in his remarks. “It’s about bringing people together and sharing a message of harmony and health with the world.”
Before the yoga session began, attendees observed a moment of silence for the 274 victims of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, a day earlier. The national anthems of India, Guatemala, and San Pedro Carchá were performed by a local orchestra, adding a ceremonial touch to the event.
The majority of participants were students from nearby schools. Many others came from local communities, showing the growing popularity of yoga in the region. Embassy yoga teacher Ruth Morales led the session, following India’s Common Yoga Protocol. The session included basic postures, breathing exercises, and guided meditation.
Mayor Erwin Alfonso Catún Maquín of San Pedro Carchá welcomed participants and expressed pride in hosting such an important cultural gathering. He said he hopes yoga will become a regular practice in the lives of residents.
The celebration was organized with the support of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the Municipality of San Pedro Carchá, the Don Bosco Center Association, and the Governor’s Office of Alta Verapaz.
Several Guatemalan ministries, including the Ministries of Education and Defence, also played a key role. Indian companies operating in Guatemala—such as HCL Tech, TCS, Grupo Uma, and Caplin Point—donated yoga mats, T-shirts, water bottles, and refreshments to support the event.
This year’s event marked a major milestone for the Embassy’s cultural outreach efforts in Central America. Participation has steadily grown over the past four years. In 2022, the event drew 2,500 people. That number grew to 3,500 in 2023 and 5,000 in 2024. In 2025, the turnout doubled, breaking the 10,000 mark for the first time.
In the lead-up to the main event, the Embassy also organized yoga sessions in Izabal and Chalal, attracting more than 2,000 participants combined.
As part of the celebrations, Ambassador Mohapatra presented busts of Mahatma Gandhi to three Don Bosco institutions. The gifts symbolized India’s message of peace and nonviolence. The Embassy also gave commemorative plaques to local leaders, companies, and volunteers who made the event possible.
Yoga has long been seen as a tool for inner peace and public well-being. Events like this are helping spread its benefits far beyond India’s borders.
The Embassy of India is continuing its mission to promote yoga and cultural ties in the region. Similar International Day of Yoga events will take place in El Salvador and Honduras on June 21. With strong community support and growing interest, yoga is quickly becoming a symbol of unity and wellness in Central America.
