RAXRUHA, ALTA, VERAPAZ, GUATEMALA (TIP): As part of the concluding ceremony of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, the Embassy of India in Guatemala, in collaboration with the Association of Don Bosco, organized a vibrant yoga event in Raxruhá, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of around 800 individuals, predominantly students and youth from Association of Don Bosco, nearby schools and communities. Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, joined by the Hon’ble Mayor of Raxruhá and representatives of the Don Bosco Association.
The programme began with a performance by a local music band, setting a lively tone for the celebrations. This was followed by addresses from Ambassador Dr. Mohapatra, the Mayor of Raxruhá, and a representative of the Don Bosco Association, all of whom highlighted the relevance of yoga in promoting holistic health and inner well-being. The speeches were followed by a collective yoga session led by trained instructors, with participants performing various asanas in unison. Branded t-shirts and refreshments, generously sponsored by Indian companies, were distributed among participants, adding to the enthusiasm and spirit of the occasion.
As part of the concluding celebrations of IDY2025 and in continuation of efforts to strengthen cultural ties between India and Guatemala, a bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at the premises of the Association of Don Bosco in Raxruhá. The bust, measuring 20 inches, was donated by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) as a symbol of peace, non-violence, and the enduring relevance of Gandhian ideals. The unveiling ceremony was led by Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, in the presence of senior representatives from the Don Bosco Association, local municipal authorities, and students of the institution. In his remarks, Ambassador Mohapatra highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless message of truth and non-violence and its importance in today’s world, especially for the youth. Representatives of Don Bosco expressed their gratitude to the Government of India for the generous donation and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding values of social harmony and education. The installation of the bust marks yet another milestone in India’s cultural outreach in the Alta Verapaz region and serves as a lasting tribute to the friendship between the two countries.
The event in Raxruhá marked the final leg of a series of large-scale IDY2025 celebrations organized by the Embassy across Guatemala and the region. The flagship event was held on 13 June 2025 in San Pedro Carchá, where over 10,000 people, mostly students, participated in a massive yoga demonstration. In addition, two separate events were organized in El Salvador and Honduras on 21 June 2025, which brought together 1500 yoga enthusiasts. Leading up to the main event, the Embassy conducted several countdown and outreach programs in Cobán, Chahal, Izabal, and Guatemala City to engage local communities and raise awareness about yoga.
Over the past three years, the Mission’s sustained outreach efforts and collaboration with local partners have resulted in a steady rise in participation and interest in yoga across Guatemala. The growing numbers each year reflect the increasing popularity and acceptance of yoga as a tool for physical and mental well-being. From a few hundred participants in 2022, to over 12,000 across various locations in 2025, yoga is now becoming a recognizable and respected element of India’s cultural diplomacy in the region.
The Embassy of India expresses its gratitude to all local authorities, sponsors, volunteers, and educational institutions for their support in making IDY2025 a grand success. Through such initiatives, the Mission continues to strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Guatemala and promote yoga as a universal practice for health, harmony, and peace.
(Based on a press release issued by Ramesh Khulbey)
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