As part of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, celebrated on June 21, 2025, the Harit Yoga initiative stands out as a unique fusion of yoga’s mindfulness practices with environmental stewardship, aligning with the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” Launched by the Ministry of AYUSH and supported by organizations like the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Harit Yoga promotes the interconnectedness of human health and planetary vitality through tree plantation and eco-friendly activities.

 

Harit Yoga Plantation Drive: A Commitment to Sustainability

 

The Harit Yoga campaign, which began its momentum with a significant event in Bhubaneswar on April 7, 2025, saw over 6,000 participants engaging in synchronized yoga sessions and tree plantation activities. More than 5,000 medicinal plants were distributed to encourage participants to extend this green movement to their homes and communities. Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, articulated the essence of Harit Yoga: “Just as Yoga heals our body and mind, tree plantation heals the earth. ‘Harit Yoga’ is our humble way of integrating the two—promoting sustainability and mindfulness in one stroke.”

 

Key Features of the Plantation Drive

Nationwide Participation: On April 22, 2025, the Indian Yoga Association, in collaboration with 12 state chapters (including Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, New Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Pune, Jaipur, and Uttarakhand), organized a tree plantation drive to mark World Earth Day. This initiative saw active involvement from yoga institutions, NGOs, nature clubs, and government bodies, planting medicinal and fruit-bearing trees to enhance environmental health.

 

Haryana’s Ambitious Goal: In Haryana, a state-level Harit Yoga Plantation Drive targets planting 10 lakh (1 million) medicinal and fruit-bearing plants across all IDY event venues, aligning with the theme of health and environmental stewardship. This drive will culminate on June 21, 2025, at Brahma Sarovar, Kurukshetra, with participation from over 1 lakh people.

 

Community Engagement: Events like the “One Tree in the Name of Mother” campaign, trekking and yoga retreats, and clean-up drives at water bodies and riverbanks encourage community participation. These activities, promoted across social media, aim to foster a sense of responsibility for nature.

 

Eco-Yoga Experiences: Harit Yoga includes yoga sessions at natural sites, such as beaches, parks, and Amrit Sarovars, combined with environmental actions like beach clean-ups and water body conservation. For instance, a beach yoga session at Champin Village, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was held to promote eco-conscious living.

 

Environmental and Health Synergy

 

Harit Yoga underscores yoga’s philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature. By integrating tree plantation with yoga sessions, the initiative amplifies the message that personal wellness is inseparable from planetary health. In Chhattisgarh, for example, the IYA State Chapter planted medicinal plants at Teli Gundar School, Durg, installing tree guards to ensure long-term protection. In Jaipur, a special yoga session was accompanied by Ayurvedic drink distribution and a human chain symbolizing environmental unity.

 

Alignment with Global Goals

 

The Harit Yoga initiative aligns with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to environmental sustainability and health. By planting trees and promoting eco-conscious practices, IDY 2025 contributes to climate action and biodiversity preservation, reinforcing yoga’s role in fostering a sustainable future.

 

How to Participate

 

Citizens and yoga enthusiasts can join Harit Yoga events through:

 

Local Events: Participate in community-led plantation drives and yoga sessions at parks, tourist spots, or Amrit Sarovars, as organized by AYUSH and local bodies.

 

Digital Platforms: Register via the Yoga Portal or apps like Y-Break, M-Yoga, and Namaste Yoga for updates on Harit Yoga activities.

 

Social Media Engagement: Share photos and videos of plantation efforts using hashtags like #IDY2025 and #HaritYoga to inspire others.

 

Harit Yoga for IDY 2025 is a powerful call to action, inviting individuals worldwide to embrace yoga’s holistic benefits while nurturing the planet through tree plantation and environmental care. By planting a tree and practicing yoga, participants contribute to a healthier, greener future, embodying the spirit of “One Earth, One Health.” For more details, visit official AYUSH portals or local event registrations