International wellness day to be celebrated on April 15

Kathmandu – The first-ever International Wellness (Health) Day will be celebrated on April 15, with events planned across all 753 local levels and all seven provinces of Nepal. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation aims to make the observance impactful, participatory, and long-lasting.

Minister Paudel emphasized linking wellness with national pride and livelihoods, highlighting the importance of yoga and meditation. Parliament member Prashant Upreti suggested promoting wellness through Nepal’s spiritual and cultural heritage to drive long-term economic and social transformation.

Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula described the day as a historic opportunity to use wellness as Nepal’s “soft power” globally. The CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board and experts stressed developing wellness tourism as a key sector and major source of income for the country.

The United Nations General Assembly declared April 15 as International Wellness Day following Nepal’s proposal, marking a significant diplomatic achievement. Currently, Nepal’s tourism generates $612 million, with wellness tourism contributing around $25 million (about 4%