12 June 2025

Durban Gears Up for International Day of Yoga with Message of Unity and Wellness

More than 3,000 yoga practitioners are expected to gather at the Durban Amphitheatre on June 21 to mark the International Day of Yoga (IDY). The celebration will take place under the theme Yoga for One Earth, One Health, and Oneness.
According to Sivananda World Peace Foundation President Ishwar Ramlutchman, participants from diverse backgrounds—including schools, universities, temples, mosques, churches, community groups, and private studios—will join the event wearing white, yellow, and green shirts to symbolise peace, energy, and the environment. He stated that the unified breathing and movement of participants would represent national unity in diversity, echoing SAs constitutional values and its commitment to inclusivity.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, Health Portfolio Committee chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, local councillors, Hindu religious leaders, and Zulu cultural ambassadors are expected to attend.
Ramlutchman explained that the day goes beyond physical yoga practice. He said the event aligns with a broader provincial vision of embedding wellness into public health strategies.
Durban has now become the permanent national host for IDY, thanks to its rich combination of Zulu heritage and Indian diaspora culture. Ramlutchman, who plays a key role in strengthening ties between Hindu and Zulu communities, emphasised that yoga is not limited to any religion or race but is a universal practice offering spiritual and health benefits for all humanity.
He noted that this year’s precursor events at Congo Ground on June 1 and Giant’s Castle on June 5 reflected yogas universal appeal and inclusive nature.
According to Ramlutchman, IDY also contributes to tourism and city branding. With the Durban Amphitheatre now globally recognised as a symbolic yoga venue, the event enhances Durbans reputation not only as a coastal destination but also as a hub for mindfulness and eco-conscious tourism.
Leaders in the hospitality industry have reported growing interest in yoga wellness retreats along KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast and in the Drakensberg, partly driven by the momentum of the annual Yoga Day. Ramlutchman stated that the economic benefits of the event extend to local food vendors, artisans, hospitality providers, and fitness entrepreneurs.
He also described the Durban IDY as a form of soft power, promoting cultural exchange and diplomacy between India and South Africa.
However, Ramlutchman acknowledged ongoing challenges. He said yoga in South Africa is still seen by some as an exclusive, urban, or culturally foreign activity. In response, organisers are taking steps to localise the practice—such as translating yoga instructions into isiZulu, supporting Black instructors, and adapting programmes for working-class and rural communities.
He cautioned against the commodification of yoga, urging that its spiritual, ethical, and philosophical roots be preserved amidst growing popularity.
Looking ahead, Ramlutchman stated that Durban’s 2025 IDY is likely to expand its impact, aiming to demonstrate that wellness is a right, not a privilege. He believes this inclusive, public-driven model could help position KwaZulu-Natal as a national and continental leader in holistic health.