Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) from Kolkata’s historic Red Road on June 21, with the Ministry of Ayush unveiling an extensive programme aimed at promoting yoga as a tool for healthy ageing and overall well-being.
The announcement was made during the curtain-raiser event for IDY 2026 held at the National Media Centre in New Delhi on Sunday. Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlights the need to ensure that longer life expectancy translates into healthier, more active and meaningful lives.
“Across the world, people are living longer than ever before. The real challenge is to ensure that these added years are healthy, active, independent and meaningful. Yoga offers a time-tested and holistic pathway towards healthy ageing by strengthening physical health, promoting mental well-being and enhancing overall quality of life,” Jadhav said.
The minister noted that yoga has evolved into a global movement since the United Nations adopted India’s proposal to observe an International Day of Yoga in 2014. He said more than 210 Indian missions abroad, in coordination with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), will organise yoga events at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide.
Jadhav also announced that a nationwide live yoga session organised on June 14 witnessed the participation of more than four lakh people simultaneously, creating a new Guinness World Record. He said the achievement reflected the growing popularity of yoga and the increasing public participation in the annual event.
As part of the celebrations, the Ministry of Culture will organise yoga programmes at 100 iconic locations across the country. The initiative aims to bring together India’s cultural heritage and wellness traditions while encouraging wider public engagement.
Ahead of the main event in Kolkata, several activities have been planned across the country. These include the ongoing “Gangotri to Gangasagar: Ganga Tat Yoga Yatra”, which is being conducted from June 13 to 20 and covers locations such as Gangotri, Haridwar, Varanasi, Patna, Hooghly and Gangasagar. The programme seeks to link yoga with environmental awareness, river conservation and community participation.
Kolkata will also host a series of special events in the lead-up to June 21, including the “Doud se Dhyan” programme on June 19 and “Vande Yogam” celebrations on June 20, alongside observances marking West Bengal Day.
Calling yoga one of India’s greatest contributions to humanity, Jadhav urged citizens across age groups to participate in the celebrations and adopt yoga as a regular practice for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
