International Wellness Day marked
The first International Wellness Day was celebrated at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel, Kathmandu on 15th April, 2026. The United Nations General Assembly has officially proclaimed April 15 as International Wellness Day, adopting a resolution introduced by Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations on March 10. The resolution, initiated by the Permanent Mission of Nepal […]
The first International Wellness Day was celebrated at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel, Kathmandu on 15th April, 2026.
The United Nations General Assembly has officially proclaimed April 15 as International Wellness Day, adopting a resolution introduced by Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations on March 10.
The resolution, initiated by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, highlights the growing global recognition of wellness as a holistic concept that includes physical, mental, emotional, social, cultural, and ecological well-being. The initiative is considered a significant diplomatic achievement for Nepal, as it is the first time the country has led the proclamation of an international day at the UN.
Speaking at the event organized to celebrate the day, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dol Prasad Aryal, said that the concept of wellness should be linked to overall human life and established as a global priority. “Wellness is not just the absence of disease, it is a state of physical, mental, social, cultural, emotional, spiritual and environmental balance,” he said.
Highlighting growing global conflicts, climate crisis and mental stress, Aryal said wellness should be seen as a ray of hope for humanity. He also said that Nepal has a strong potential to become a major destination for wellness tourism. “We have mountains, culture, spiritual traditions and natural resources. Now we must focus on quality tourism rather than numbers and position Nepal as a destination offering high value and meaningful experiences,” he added.
According to him, the government has adopted a policy to develop wellness tourism as a form of soft power. “The government’s 100-point action plan aims to make Nepal a global hub for wellness tourism, and 2027 has been declared Wellness Year accordingly,” he said.
Similarly, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadka Raj Paudel ‘Ganesh’, announced ‘Nepal Arogya(Wellness) Year 2027’.
Minister Paudel stressed that wellness should be connected to lifestyle, saying Nepal can offer new guidance to the world. ”Wellness is not about escaping from life’s rush, but about returning within oneself. It is the art of understanding the silence of the soul,” he said.
Referring the World Health Organization data, Minister Paudel said more than one billion people globally suffer from mental stress, making wellness highly relevant today. “People have everything, but lack a moment of peace. Nepal can offer the peace the world is searching for,” he mentioned.
The government aims to link wellness tourism with sustainable development, cultural preservation and local prosperity. Minister Paudel said Nepal will be promoted not only as a travel destination but also as a place for self-discovery and inner peace.
Life science expert L.P. Bhanu Sharma stressed the need for long-term structures to promote wellness. “Ownership must come before leadership. There are three stages of wellness and more than five million people in Nepal are engaged in self-awareness meditation,” he said.He also suggested forming a high-level commission, developing wellness circuits, and introducing wellness visas and long-term stay policies to promote the sector.
The event began with mantra chanting by Buddhist nun and singer Ani Choying Dolma, followed by meditation and yoga sessions.
Representatives from the Spa Association also shared insights on healing practices. Meditation and yoga programmes, a wellness tourism strategy and a logo were also unveiled at the event.
Similarly, the first International Arogya Day was observed in Kapilvastu through yoga and meditation. The event was organised by the Kapilvastu Ayurvedic Health Centre under the slogan, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness). Participants marked the day by practising yoga and meditation.
Marking the first International Wellness Day, a high-level event was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. According to a statement issued by the Life Sciences Foundation on Saturday, the programme held on Friday conveyed the message that Nepal is willing to take global leadership in the field of wellness.
The event focused on the theme “Holistic Wellness for Peace, Prosperity and Sustainability,” was participated in by representatives from various countries, UN officials, scientists, researchers and policy makers.
On behalf of Nepal, L.P. Bhanu Sharma, the founder of Life Science Foundation, delivered a special presentation on wellness. He also made the participants practice yoga, meditation and self-awareness on the occasion.
Please this also:
