Kolkata is all set to host the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to lead the nation in the Common Yoga Protocol at the iconic Red Road. The event is expected to witness participation from thousands of yoga enthusiasts on the ground and millions joining virtually from across India and around the world.
Ahead of the celebrations, a curtain-raiser press conference was held at Nabanna Sabhaghar, where West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav outlined the scale, significance and preparations for the event.
During the programme, twelve special philatelic covers commemorating International Day of Yoga 2026 were released by CM Adhikari and the Union Minister in the presence of Chief Postmaster General of the West Bengal Circle, Ashok Kumar.
Addressing the gathering, CM Adhikari described it as a proud moment for West Bengal to host the national Yoga Day celebrations. He said Kolkata’s rich cultural, spiritual and intellectual heritage makes it an ideal venue for an event that promotes wellness, harmony and collective well-being.
Highlighting yoga as one of India’s greatest civilisational gifts to the world, CM Adhikari said the ancient practice transcends barriers and unites people in the pursuit of physical health, mental peace and inner harmony. Referring to this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” he emphasized yoga’s role in promoting vitality, resilience and emotional well-being across age groups.
The Chief Minister also lauded the Ministry of Ayush for transforming yoga into a year-round people’s movement through initiatives such as Yoga 365, Yoga for Healthy Ageing, Yoga for Non-Communicable Diseases, the Yoga Park Initiative and the 100 Days of Free Online Yoga programme.
Jadhav said International Day of Yoga has evolved into a global movement that promotes health, harmony and collective well-being. He noted that Yoga Day 2026 will be celebrated at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with more than 210 Indian Missions abroad organizing events in coordination with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Jadhav highlighted the success of the Ministry’s flagship Yoga 365 initiative, aimed at making yoga an integral part of everyday life. He also noted that the nationwide live yoga session conducted on June 14 witnessed participation from more than four lakh people simultaneously, creating a new Guinness World Record.
The minister further announced that the Ministry of Culture will organize special yoga events at 100 iconic locations across India, linking yoga with the country’s cultural heritage, tourism potential and civilisational identity.
Several nationwide outreach programmes have been organized as part of the countdown to Yoga Day, including a 100-day programme in New Delhi, a 75-day celebration at Lonar in Maharashtra, a 50-day event at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad and a 25-day countdown event at Khajuraho.
A major attraction this year is the “Gangotri to Gangasagar – Ganga Bank Yoga Journey,” connecting key locations including Gangotri, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Patna, Hooghly and Gangasagar. The initiative aims to combine yoga with environmental awareness, river conservation and public participation.
In the lead-up to June 21, a series of activities will be held across Kolkata and West Bengal, including Cycling for Wellness, Yoga in Schools and Government Offices, Yoga for Mental Well-being, Women’s Health Yoga, sessions for senior citizens, Corporate Yoga programmes and yoga events for police personnel, firefighters and healthcare workers.
A special campaign titled “Daud Se Dhyan” will be organized across eleven locations in Kolkata on June 19. This will be followed by Vande Yogam and West Bengal Foundation Day celebrations on June 20 along the Hooghly riverfront, featuring cultural performances, art competitions, photography contests and public engagement programmes.
The celebrations will also include mass yoga demonstrations on 500 boats across the Hooghly River, showcasing the connection between yoga and Bengal’s river heritage. The city will be illuminated with yoga-themed decorations, special bridge lighting and a mega drone show involving nearly 3,000 drones, depicting India’s yoga journey and paying tribute to great yoga masters.
The press conference was attended by West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal and Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, among other dignitaries.
The national celebration at Red Road will begin at 5 a.m. on June 21, with organizers expecting one of the largest International Day of Yoga gatherings in the country.
