EMBASSY OF INDIA LAUNCHES IDY2025 COUNTDOWN WITH PRESS CONFERENCE IN SAN PEDRO CARCHÁ  EMBASSY OF INDIA LAUNCHES IDY2025 COUNTDOWN WITH PRESS CONFERENCE IN SAN PEDRO CARCHÁ 
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EMBASSY OF INDIA LAUNCHES IDY2025 COUNTDOWN WITH PRESS CONFERENCE IN SAN PEDRO CARCHÁ 

PRESS RELEASE 

EMBASSY OF INDIA LAUNCHES IDY2025 COUNTDOWN WITH PRESS

CONFERENCE IN SAN PEDRO CARCHÁ 

The Embassy of India, in collaboration with the Municipality of San Pedro Carchá, organized a press conference today to promote the upcoming 11th International Day of Yoga at San Pedro Carchá, Cobán, scheduled for June 13, 2025. Approximately 200 participants, including Municipal Mayor Lic. Erwin Alfonso Catún Maquín and other dignitaries, attended the event. Major newspapers, print, video, and digital media were present, amplifying the message of IDY2025, which is expected to draw around 10,000 participants, fostering wellness and unity under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” 

  1. This marks the first time the Embassy has ventured beyond Guatemala City to host IDY, choosing San Pedro Carchá as the destination after successfully organizing three large-scale IDY events at Mariscal Zavala, Guatemala City. In 2022, approximately 2,500 participants attended under the theme “Yoga for Humanity”; in 2023, 3,500 joined for “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”; and in 2024, a record 5,000 participated in “Yoga for Self and Society.” The overwhelming support from local authorities, sponsors, Indian companies, and the public has fueled the Embassy’s ambition to engage 10,000 participants in San Pedro Carchá, with 12,000 already registered, reflecting unprecedented enthusiasm.
  1. In his address at the IDY2025 press conference in San Pedro Carchá, Ambassador H.E. Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra passionately underscored the deepening cultural and economic bonds between India and Guatemala, transcending the vast geographical distance that separates the two nations. He reflected on how India, once relatively unfamiliar to many in Guatemala, has gained remarkable recognition through sustained efforts in cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and community engagement. Elaborating on the 2025 International Day of Yoga theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” he emphasized yoga’s holistic impact on individual and collective well-being. He explained that the theme underscores yoga’s unique ability to harmonize physical health, mental clarity, and environmental consciousness, aligning with global calls for sustainable living. Ambassador Mohapatra extended heartfelt gratitude to key partners who have made the IDY2025 preparations possible. He specifically thanked Municipal Mayor Lic. Erwin Alfonso Catún Maquín and the Municipality of San Pedro Carchá for their unwavering commitment to hosting this landmark event. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Talita Kumi, the Association of Don Bosco, the Education Department, and local authorities, whose collaborative efforts have ensured broad community participation. Additionally, he expressed deep appreciation for Indian companies, notably Lukah Medical, for their generous sponsorship, which includes providing essential resources like food and t-shirts for participants. In a call to action, Ambassador Mohapatra warmly invited the general public, community leaders, and media representatives to join the IDY2025 celebration on June 13, 2025, in San Pedro Carchá, aiming to make it the largest yoga event in Guatemala’s history with an anticipated 10,000 participants. He urged media outlets to amplify the event’s message, emphasizing the importance of widespread awareness to inspire more Guatemalans to embrace yoga’s benefits. 
  1. In his remarks Municipal Mayor Lic. Erwin Alfonso Catún Maquín delivered a heartfelt address, expressing immense pride and gratitude for hosting this historic event in collaboration with the Embassy of India. He emphasized the significance of bringing the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) to San Pedro Carchá, marking the first time the Embassy has chosen a location outside Guatemala City for this global celebration. Mayor Catún praised Ambassador H.E. Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra for his unwavering dedication to strengthening ties between India and Guatemala. He noted that the Ambassador’s initiatives, including healthcare support, job creation through Indian companies, and cultural programs like yoga, have significantly uplifted the region. He expressed deep appreciation for the collaborative efforts of local organizations, including Talita Kumi, the Association of Don Bosco, and the Education Department, which have rallied to ensure the event’s success. Remarks from other key dignitaries underscored the event’s significance. Arturo Lucas, representative of Don Bosco Center, praised yoga’s transformative impact on youth. Jorge Mario Pelaez, Departmental Government Representative, noted yoga’s role in fostering unity. José Armando Tzul, General Director of Talita Kumi, lauded the Embassy’s inclusive approach. Lic. Anibal Alfonso Juarez Sierra, Departmental Director, stressed yoga’s health benefits. Mr. Manikandan Krishnan, Director of Lukah Medical, expressed pride in supporting this global wellness initiative.
  1. During the IDY2025 press conference, Ambassador H.E. Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Municipal Mayor Lic. Erwin Alfonso Catún Maquín, and representative of Don Bosco Centre jointly unveiled three busts of Mahatma Gandhi, symbolizing peace, non-violence, and India-Guatemala friendship. These busts will be installed at prominent locations in Cobán, including the Don Bosco Center, the Municipality of San Pedro Carchá, and a third key public site, to inspire future generations with Gandhi’s universal values. The unveiling, attended by dignitaries, media, and community members, marked a significant cultural milestone, reinforcing the Embassy’s commitment to fostering shared ideals and strengthening ties with San Pedro Carchá,
  2. The main event of the International Day of Yoga 2025 on 13 June 2025 in Coban promises to be a landmark celebration of health, harmony, and holistic well-being. The event is expected to witness participation of over 10,000 yoga enthusiasts, making it the largest yoga gathering outside India. The program will be held in a grand open-air venue and will feature a mass yoga demonstration based on the Common Yoga Protocol, with the theme focused on promoting “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”. Accompanied by a vibrant local Mariamba band, the atmosphere will reflect the unity of mind, body, and spirit through movement and rhythm. Prominent Guatemalan dignitaries, community leaders, and yoga practitioners will grace the occasion and share their reflections on the relevance of yoga in today’s fast-paced world. This historic gathering will place Guatemala at the global center stage, as the world witnesses its deepening connection with India’s ancient wisdom and universal message of well-being. Parallel celebrations will also be held in Honduras and El Salvador, albeit on a smaller scale, reinforcing the regional embrace of yoga as a tool for inner peace and collective harmony. The event will highlight how the practice of yoga fosters discipline, reduces stress, and enhances the quality of daily life, making it not just a form of exercise, but a transformative lifestyle accessible to all.

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San Padro Carcha, Gautemala, 5 June 2025