The national capital witnessed enthusiastic public participation in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations on Sunday, with yoga sessions organised at 40 prominent locations across Delhi under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
The celebrations, coordinated by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Ministry of Culture and several partner institutions, brought together people from all walks of life to promote wellness, healthy living and preventive healthcare through the practice of yoga.
A major highlight of the day was the large-scale yoga session held at the historic Red Fort, where thousands of participants performed the Common Yoga Protocol against the backdrop of one of India’s most iconic monuments. Organised in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris, the event showcased the convergence of India’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions and the enduring relevance of yoga.
The Red Fort programme was attended by Dr. (Prof.) Mahesh Dadhich, Chief Executive Officer of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), and Dr. Abdul Qayyum, Director (Technical), NMPB, along with several distinguished guests and yoga practitioners.
Across the city, yoga sessions were conducted at prominent public venues, including Kartavya Path, Shantipath Lawn, Lodhi Garden, Central Park in Connaught Place, Talkatora Garden, Swarn Jayanti Park, Siri Fort Sports Complex, Yamuna Sports Complex, Commonwealth Games Village Sports Complex, Aastha Kunj Park, and several heritage sites and green spaces.
Several senior leaders and dignitaries also participated in the celebrations. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda joined the programme at Shantipath Lawn, while Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Minister of State Harsh Malhotra participated in the session at Yamuna Sports Complex. Minister of State for Jal Shakti Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary attended the Yoga Day event at Lodhi Garden.
The yoga sessions commenced after participants watched the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from the national International Day of Yoga celebration held at Kolkata’s Red Road. People across Delhi then joined the nationwide synchronised practice of the 45-minute Common Yoga Protocol.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” focuses on the role of yoga in enhancing flexibility, mobility, cardiovascular fitness, cognitive health and overall quality of life. The theme also highlights the importance of adopting preventive and holistic approaches to health as populations around the world continue to age.
The Ministry said the overwhelming participation across Delhi reflected the growing acceptance of yoga as a way of life and reinforced the spirit of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) in promoting wellness and healthy living.
The celebrations in Delhi formed part of nationwide and global observances of the 12th International Day of Yoga, which is being marked across all states and union territories of India and in more than 180 countries worldwide. The large turnout at venues across the capital underscored yoga’s continuing appeal as a unifying force for health, harmony and holistic well-being.
