Yoga Day Sparks Tensions Again as India Hosts Sunrise Event in Maldives

The Indian High Commission’s celebration of the 11th International Yoga Day at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa has once again stirred controversy in the Maldives, where public yoga events have become a flashpoint in ongoing cultural and religious debates.

Held under tight security at dawn, the event gathered over 500 participants, including diplomats, foreign nationals, and a number of Maldivians, for a session led by professional instructors. Set against the pristine backdrop of the Maldivian coast, the yoga practice was themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, in line with global observances.

However, the event comes amid heightened scrutiny and criticism from segments of Maldivian society who view public yoga gatherings as contrary to Islamic values. In recent years, similar events have faced protests, threats, and political pushback, including a 2022 incident in which a Yoga Day event in Malé was violently disrupted.

Though no such incidents occurred this time, the quiet yet symbolic setting at a private resort appeared to be a deliberate choice to avoid public confrontation. Critics on social media have already voiced opposition, accusing the event of promoting foreign cultural practices in a conservative Muslim nation.

The yoga session in the Maldives is part of India’s global push, with coordinated events in over 1,300 cities across 191 countries. While Indian officials describe the effort as apolitical and wellness-focused, in the Maldives, yoga continues to sit at the intersection of diplomacy, identity, and religious sensitivity.

As International Yoga Day continues to expand globally, its future in the Maldives remains uncertain—caught between calls for cultural respect and international engagement.