First international wellness day celebrated at Tundikhel, ‘Nepal Wellness Year 2027’ announced

Kathmandu: Following recognition by the United Nations, the first International Wellness Day was celebrated on Wednesday at Tundikhel (Sainik Manch). On this occasion, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Khadka Raj Paudel, announced the upcoming year as “Nepal Wellness Year 2027.”

Speaking at the event, Speaker of the House of Representatives and chief guest, Dol Prasad Aryal, emphasized that the concept of wellness should be connected to the entirety of human life and established as a global priority. He stated, “Wellness is not merely the absence of disease; it is a holistic state of physical, mental, social, cultural, emotional, spiritual, and environmental balance.”

Aryal further noted that amid increasing global conflicts, climate crises, and mental stress, wellness should be seen as a ray of hope for humanity. Highlighting Nepal’s potential, he said the country could be developed as a major destination for wellness tourism. “We have mountains, culture, spiritual traditions, and natural resources. Now we must focus on quality over quantity and position Nepal as a destination that offers high value and deep experiences,” he added.

Similarly, Minister Paudel stressed the importance of linking wellness with lifestyle, stating that Nepal can offer new guidance to the world. “Wellness is not about escaping the rush of life; it is about having the courage to return within oneself. It is the art of understanding the silence of the soul,” he said.

Citing World Health Organization data, he mentioned that more than one billion people worldwide are affected by mental stress, making wellness increasingly essential today. “People have everything, but lack even a moment of peace. The peace the world seeks can be offered by Nepal,” he added.

According to him, the government has adopted a policy to develop wellness tourism as a form of “soft power.” “In the government’s 100-point action plan, we have set a goal to establish Nepal as a global center for wellness tourism, and based on that, the year 2027 has been declared as Wellness Year,” he clarified. The government aims to link wellness tourism with sustainable development, cultural preservation, and the prosperity of local communities.

At the program, life science expert LP Bhanu Sharma highlighted the need for long-term structures to promote wellness. “Before taking leadership, one must take ownership. 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 systematize wellness tourism and connect it with economic growth.

The ceremony 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. The event also unveiled a wellness tourism strategy and logo.

The United Nations General Assembly had formally recognized April 15 as “International Wellness Day.” Following this recognition, the day was celebrated globally for the first time.