New York: Preparations are underway for a 33-hour coordinated global meditation programme to mark International Meditation Day on December 21, with events planned across 100 countries.

December 21 will be observed as International Meditation Day for the second consecutive year following a unanimous resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution was moved jointly by India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico and several other countries.

India had earlier spearheaded efforts to institutionalise global wellness observances at the UN, leading to the declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014. Building on this initiative, the UN last year designated December 21 as International Meditation Day.

Officials said the global meditation programme will be conducted over 33 hours to accommodate different time zones. The event will begin at 8 am New Zealand time and conclude at 5 pm in Hawaii, United States. Each participating country will host a coordinated 20-minute meditation session.

The date holds astronomical significance, as December 21 marks the midpoint of Dakshinayana — the sun's apparent southward journey — while June 21 marks the midpoint of Uttarayana, its northward movement. These transitions are traditionally associated with yogic and meditative practices.

Organisers said the initiative aims to promote inner peace, mental well-being and global harmony through collective meditation across continents.