The Ministry of Ayush on Friday welcomed the organisation of YOGOTSAV 2026 — the 6th National Conclave of the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) — at the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute in Lonavala, Maharashtra, describing it as an important platform for dialogue and collaboration among diverse yoga traditions and institutions.
The two-day conclave, being held on May 29 and 30 under the theme “Celebrating Diversity in Yoga”, has brought together yoga acharyas, researchers, policymakers, educators, wellness leaders, institutions and youth representatives from across India and abroad to discuss the future of Yoga in India and globally.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said Yoga represents one of India’s greatest contributions to humanity and stressed the importance of unity among diverse yogic traditions.
He said that when traditions come together with mutual respect, openness and shared purpose, Yoga becomes a powerful force for harmony, collective well-being and human unity. The minister noted that the participation of yoga acharyas, institutions, researchers and youth leaders at YOGOTSAV reflected a spirit of dialogue and collaboration.
The Ministry of Ayush said platforms such as YOGOTSAV help strengthen cooperation among yoga educators, therapists, researchers and institutions while preserving the authenticity and philosophical depth of India’s yogic heritage.
Hosted at the globally recognised Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, one of the world’s oldest yoga institutions, the conclave aims to encourage meaningful engagement between traditional yoga paramparas and contemporary institutions working in the field.
According to organisers, the theme “Celebrating Diversity in Yoga” reflects India’s inclusive yogic heritage where multiple schools, philosophies and practices coexist while remaining united in the pursuit of harmony, self-awareness and holistic well-being.
A major highlight of the conclave is the experiential segment titled “Traditions in Practice – Demonstration by Living Lineages of Yoga”, featuring demonstrations on asana, pranayama, meditation, chanting, cyclic meditation, yoga nidra, therapeutic yoga, Bharat Yog Gati and mindfulness practices.
The sessions are being conducted by several leading yoga institutions and traditions, including Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, S-VYASA University, The Yoga Institute, Art of Living, Bharatiya Yog Sansthan, Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan and Preksha International, among others.
The ministry said YOGOTSAV 2026 highlights the growing global relevance of Yoga as an important pillar of preventive healthcare, holistic wellness and sustainable living. It added that the government continues to focus on strengthening Yoga education, research, professional standards and international collaborations while preserving the philosophical foundations of India’s ancient yogic traditions.
Senior officials and yoga leaders present at the event included Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Ayush; O.P. Tiwari, Chairman of Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute; H.R. Nagendra, Chancellor of S-VYASA University; Hansaji Yogendra, President of the Indian Yoga Association; and Subodh Tiwari, Secretary General of the Indian Yoga Association and CEO of Kaivalyadhama.
With participation from yoga educators, therapists, researchers, institutions, policymakers and practitioners from India and abroad, organisers said the conclave is expected to emerge as a significant national platform for collaboration and help strengthen India’s leadership in promoting Yoga for global health and well-being.
