World Music Day 2025: Date, Theme, History & Global Significance of the Celebration
Every year on June 21, people across the globe come together to celebrate World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, a global event that encourages everyone—professionals and amateurs alike—to share the joy of music in public spaces. This year, World Music Day 2025 falls on Saturday, June 21, and shares the day with International Yoga Day, creating a profound celebration of wellness, harmony, and creative expression.
Theme for World Music Day 2025
The official theme for this year is "Healing Through Harmony." It underscores the powerful role music plays in emotional wellbeing, stress relief, and fostering unity. Whether you're playing an instrument, singing, or simply listening, this year's message is clear: music has the power to heal, connect, and inspire.
A Look Back: History of World Music Day
The idea for World Music Day was first introduced in 1981 by Jack Lang, then the French Minister of Culture, and Maurice Fleuret, a music journalist and composer. The inaugural celebration took place in Paris in 1982, where over 1,000 musicians performed across streets, parks, and public spaces. This movement coincided with the summer solstice, a symbolic day celebrating nature and light—perfectly mirroring music's uplifting spirit.
What began as a local celebration in France quickly evolved into a global phenomenon. Today, over 120 countries celebrate World Music Day, highlighting its universal appeal and deep cultural impact.
Why World Music Day Matters
More than a festive event, World Music Day serves as a reminder that music transcends boundaries, languages, and generations. It promotes community engagement, cultural exchange, and creativity. The day also helps make music more accessible, encouraging people of all backgrounds to share their passion and talent.
In 2025, the emphasis on healing through music takes on new importance, offering a collective space for reflection, emotional recovery, and joy.
How It's Celebrated
Traditionally, cities organize free live performances in open spaces—parks, plazas, and street corners—where musicians perform voluntarily. These gatherings turn urban landscapes into vibrant concert venues filled with rhythm and melody. With the rise of digital platforms, many now also participate in virtual concerts and global livestreams, making the celebration even more inclusive.
Whether you're attending a live street jam or tuning into a virtual set from another part of the world, World Music Day invites everyone to "Make Music" (Faites de la musique) and be part of something greater.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma: Indian music is not just healing; it's cool, stylish, and full of swag!
Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma, a sitarist and instrument maker, carries forward his family's musical legacy while innovating with contemporary sounds. He emphasizes the timelessness and global appeal of Indian classical music, highlighting its ability to unite diverse audiences. Today, on World Music Day, we turn the spotlight on a sitarist, instrument maker and someone touted to be a torchbearer of a legendary musical legacy – Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma. The youngest and the last disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar and son of luthier Sanjay Sharma, Rishabh has carved a niche for himself in the global music scene by blending tradition with innovation. In a candid interview with us, the artiste reflects on the timeless power of Indian classical music, the responsibility of heritage, and why he believes music is one of the few forces that can truly unite the world. You've been carrying forward the Rikhiram legacy in traditional Indian music – the instrument maker's son, Rishabh. How has your family's heritage shaped your own musical journey? Being born to Sanjay Rikhiram Sharma, I had the privilege of growing up around the finest instruments in the world, many of them replicas made for my Guruji, Pandit Ravi Shankar. But for the longest time, people only saw me as the instrument maker's son, not as a performer. It's been incredibly fulfilling to finally carve a path of my own, where my passion and purpose are seen and celebrated. From traditional sitar playing to experimenting with contemporary forms, how do you find balance between preserving classical roots and evolving with modern sensibilities? I always say: tradition should be the centrepiece, not the background. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Novi ortopedski sandali za moške poletje 2025. Fiippy KUPITE ZDAJ Undo Just like in a museum, the artwork is the focus, you design everything else around it to enhance it. That's how I approach fusion. The sitar stays at the heart, and modern sounds or production techniques simply decorate the space around it. That balance is what keeps the music alive and relatable. What role do you think traditional Indian music plays on the global stage today, especially among younger audiences? Our music is timeless. On my last India tour, I saw children as young as 8 and elders over 80 vibing together with the same energy, that's the power of traditional Indian music. It's not just healing; it's cool, it's stylish, it's full of swag. I think the world was just waiting for someone to say it out loud, and maybe I'm that someone! You've performed both in India and internationally. How do audiences differ in their response to traditional Indian music across the world? Audiences everywhere are receptive, as long as the music is shared with intention. In India, there's a deep understanding of raga and taal, while international audiences are curious, open, and eager to learn. That's why education and storytelling are such an integral part of my performances. We're planning to expand globally this year to build deeper cultural bridges through Sitar for Mental Health. In an age of digital streaming and short-form content, how can we sustain interest in long-format classical performances? If people begin practicing meditation daily, they'll naturally be drawn to long-format traditional Indian music, it's meditation through sound. The deeper you go, the more rewarding it becomes. We just have to make that entry point inviting. You've also been involved in crafting and restoring instruments. How does that craft influence your understanding and performance of music? Learning the art of making and maintaining instruments from my father has been a huge blessing. It's allowed me to innovate and experiment with sound while being self-sufficient on tour. I studied both the art of playing and the science of construction. Few musicians in the world understand the sitar inside and out the way I do, and that's something I'm deeply proud of. I hope to one day hold workshops globally, teaching others how to care for and preserve our instruments. Which collaboration or performance stands out as particularly transformative in your musical career? Performing at the White House for Diwali in 2023 was life changing. To have your music and mission recognized at that level, especially for a cause like mental health, was incredibly validating. It reminded me that this path I've chosen is bigger than just performance; it's about impact. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians trying to find their voice in a world of rapidly changing musical tastes? Be yourself, loudly and unapologetically. Even when I do covers, I do them my way. Authenticity is your greatest strength. In a world full of trends, being true to your sound is what makes you timeless. World Music Day celebrates the universal language of music. What does this day mean to you personally and as a musician? To me, World Music Day is a celebration of every genre, every sound, and every culture that has left an imprint on our lives. It's a day to honor the global influences that shape our musical journeys, and to reflect on the fact that music—no matter where it comes from—has the power to connect us all. On this World Music Day, what message would you like to share with music lovers across the globe? Music is a language beyond words, beyond borders. In a world that often feels divided, music is what brings us together. I can't wait to bring this tour to audiences worldwide, and celebrate the divine gift that music truly is.
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Lissy stuns with yoga pose at 58 on International Yoga Day, says 'Yoga is the art of awareness'
(Picture Courtesy: Faceb Veteran Malayalam actress Lissy took to social media on International Yoga Day to share an inspiring glimpse of her fitness journey. The 58-year-old actress, known for her grace and charm during the 1980s, posted a picture of herself performing a yoga pose. The actress also shared an inspiring note along with the snap. "Yoga is the art of awareness " In her caption, Lissy noted, 'Yoga is the art of awareness on the canvas of body, mind, and soul." The post quickly gained traction online, with fans lauding her flexibility and dedication to wellness even at this stage of life. One commented, "Awesome oru cheriya kushumbu." Another one commented, "Happy International Yoga Day." A third one commented, "Perfect Saravangasana." Kannappa - Official Kannada Trailer Fans applaud Lissy's fitness and flexibility at 58 While many actresses fade from the public eye after stepping away from films, Lissy continues to command attention — this time not for her acting, but for her fitness. As reported by Manorama Online, now settled in Chennai, Lissy owns and operates a state-of-the-art dubbing studio. Suresh Gopi's fitness mantra Meanwhile, in a recent event Suresh Gopi shared his fitness journey. He said, "Earlier, I used to do a few yoga postures just on Yoga Day. But from last July, I began taking yoga seriously. I practiced consistently for about 45 minutes to an hour every day until February this year, when I had to stop due to illness. Still, during that time, I felt my body becoming remarkably comfortable and flexible." On the work front, Suresh Gopi will be next seen in the court drama 'JSK' which is set to release on June 27. The expectations are quite high for the film.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
80-year-old Dharmendra lists benefits of yoga, talks about himself: 'People call me old, but I'm still young'
On the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga, veteran actor Dharmendra reflected on the significance of yoga, its deep roots in Indian civilisation, and how it has positively influenced his own life. Dharmendra spoke to ANI about the tradition of yoga and how it has become a vital part of personal and global well-being. (Also Read | Dharmendra pokes fun at drama around kiss with Shabana Azmi in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani) Dharmendra, now in his 80s, expressed his continued enthusiasm for life and work despite the passing years. The actor credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for championing yoga worldwide, alongside yoga guru Ramdev, who played an instrumental role in making yoga a global phenomenon. "I think Modi ji started it, and before that, Ramdev ji also began this movement. Many people from other countries wanted to patent it, but it didn't happen. This is our civilisation, our culture, which has been going on for centuries. And it is necessary," Dharmendra said. The actor emphasised that yoga is not just an exercise but a powerful remedy for various health issues. "Yoga can cure many diseases. If you have breathing problems, remember that health is wealth," he added, underlining yoga's role in both physical and mental wellness. Dharmendra, now in his 80s, expressed his continued enthusiasm for life and work despite the passing years. "Many people call me old, but I am still young," he said with a smile. The actor, who has long been associated with strength and vitality on screen, shared that his connection to fitness and health has been a lifelong pursuit. "I used to dream of working hard and cycling. I would see my reflection in film posters and ask myself, 'What am I going to achieve?' I used to wake up at night and dream, and when I woke up in the morning, I would ask the mirror," the actor said. Dharmendra also emphasised that maintaining a balanced mind and body has been crucial for his longevity in the demanding world of cinema. This year's International Yoga Day celebrations also saw Prime Minister Modi participating in a mass yoga session at the scenic Visakhapatnam coastline. Over 300,000 individuals joined him, reinforcing this year's theme--Yoga for One Earth, One Health. PM Modi, addressing the gathering, hailed yoga as a gift "beyond age" that unites humanity across all boundaries. He stressed that yoga belongs to everyone, regardless of age, background, or physical ability, and praised the health and harmony it fosters globally. The United Nations had declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, after India proposed the initiative at the General Assembly.
