Kathmandu-The first International Wellness Day was marked on Wednesday. The United Nations General Assembly has designated April 15 to promote awareness and action for holistic well being.
On the occasion, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadkaraj Poudel announced ‘Nepal Wellness Year 2027’.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Dol Prasad Aryal said wellness should be treated as a global priority linked to all aspects of life. He said wellness covers physical, mental, social, cultural, emotional, spiritual and environmental balance.

Aryal said Nepal has strong potential in wellness tourism. He pointed to the country’s mountains, culture, spiritual traditions and natural heritage. He stressed the need to focus on quality tourism and high value experiences.

Minister Poudel said wellness should be part of daily life. He said Nepal can offer peace at a time when more than one billion people face mental stress. He added that the government plans to promote wellness tourism as a soft power tool.

He said the government’s 100 point action plan aims to position Nepal as a global wellness hub. The plan links wellness tourism with sustainable development, cultural preservation and local income.

Life science expert LP Bhanu Sharma called for a long term structure to promote wellness. He said over 5 million people in Nepal practice mindfulness meditation. He proposed a high level commission, a wellness circuit, wellness visas and long stay policies.

The event included mantra recitation by Ani Choying Dolma, along with yoga and meditation sessions. Organisers also unveiled a wellness tourism strategy and logo.

April 15 is being observed globally for the first time as International Wellness Day following UN recognition.