**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Ayush, through the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), organized Yoga Mahotsav–2026 in Lonar, Maharashtra, on April 7, 2026. This event officially launched the 75-day countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 and set an Asia Book of Records milestone for the largest gathering performing Trikonasana. The initiative aims to promote holistic health, traditional nutrition (Ayush Aahara), and the integration of modern technology with Yoga.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Event Achievements and Participation**
* Organized at Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj Udyan in Lonar, the event drew nearly 5,000 participants.
* The gathering successfully entered the Asia Book of Records for the largest collective performance of the Trikonasana posture.
* The session included a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), covering Yogasana, Pranayama, and Dhyana.
**Flagship Initiatives and Digital Support**
* The Ministry highlighted the "Yoga 365" campaign, designed to integrate Yoga into daily routines.
* Specific protocols were showcased, including "Yoga for Air Travel" and "10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases."
* A toll-free helpline (1800-315-7008) was promoted, offering 14 days of free guided Yoga practice to the public.
**Strategic Focus for IDY 2026**
* The upcoming 12th edition of IDY will focus on addressing non-communicable diseases and promoting geriatric health.
* There is a new emphasis on exploring the integration of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), with Yoga practice.
* The "Ayush Aahara" initiative was underscored, advocating for traditional foods like millets, ragi, and medicinal spices to enhance immunity.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: General Public and Yoga Practitioners**
**Impact**
Increased awareness of the physical and mental benefits of Yoga and access to free resources for daily practice. Participants are encouraged to adopt "Ayush Aahara" for better nutritional health.
**Action Required**
Utilize the toll-free helpline for guided practice and participate in the *Jan Bhagidari* (mass movement) leading up to the International Day of Yoga.
**Stakeholder: Ministry of Ayush / MDNIY**
**Impact**
The successful launch reinforces the Ministry's role in leading a global movement for holistic health and provides a platform to scale flagship campaigns.
**Action Required**
Coordinate the 75-day countdown activities and continue the development of specialized protocols for geriatric health and AI integration.
**Stakeholder: District Administration and Local Authorities**
**Impact**
Lonar is highlighted as a significant center for collective wellness, boosting the region's profile through geologically and culturally significant events.
**Action Required**
Support the Ministry’s efforts in organizing large-scale participation and maintaining local infrastructure for such mass movements.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ayush: The lead ministry of the Government of India responsible for the planning, promotion, and standardization of Yoga as a global health movement.
International Day of Yoga (IDY): The primary global initiative and event for which the Ministry is conducting a 75-day countdown, focusing on holistic health and non-communicable diseases for its 2026 edition.
Common Yoga Protocol (CYP): A standardized set of Yoga practices and guidelines used as the central framework for mass demonstrations and public training programs.
Yoga Mahotsav–2026: A major promotional initiative and event organized to mark the formal countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga.
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY): The nodal autonomous organization under the Ministry of Ayush responsible for the technical organization and execution of the Yoga Mahotsav.
AYUSH
Ministry of Ayush Begins 75-Day Countdown to
IDY 2026 with Yoga Mahotsav–2026 in Lonar
Asia Book of Records Set with Collective Trikonasana
Practice at Yoga Mahotsav–2026
Mass Trikonasana Reflects Spirit of Collective Participation
and Shared Wellness: Shri Prataprao Jadhav
Yoga Mahotsav–2026 Symbolises Global Awakening Towards
Holistic Health: Shri Jadhav
Posted On: 07 APR 2026 2:56PM by PIB Delhi
The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush, organised Yoga Mahotsav–
2026 at Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj Udyan, Lonar, district Buldhana, Maharashtra today. The event
marked a significant milestone as it entered the Asia Book of Records for the largest gathering performing
Trikonasana.
Nearly 5,000 participants assembled at dawn to perform the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), transforming
the historic town of Lonar into a vibrant centre of collective wellness. The large-scale participation
highlighted the growing global acceptance of Yoga as a powerful medium for promoting unity, health, and
well-being.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for
Health & Family Welfare, described the event as a “strong beginning to the 75-day countdown to the
International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026.” He noted that hosting the celebration in the geologically
significant Lonar region symbolises a broader global awakening towards holistic health and harmony.
Emphasising the importance of Yoga, he stated that the practice continues to enhance physical health,
mental well-being, and emotional balance.
Highlighting the significance of the record-setting Trikonasana performance, Shri Jadhav stated that the
achievement reflects the spirit of collective participation and shared wellness inherent in Yoga. He also
underlined the importance of Ayush Aahara, emphasising the role of traditional and natural foods such as
millets, ragi, coconut oil, and medicinal spices in boosting immunity and promoting holistic health.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, described Yoga as one
of India’s most valuable contributions to the world, noting that it represents a way of life that fosters
harmony between mind, body, and spirit.The programme featured a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol led by Prof. (Dr.) Kashinath
Samagandi, Director, MDNIY. The session included Yogasana, Pranayama, and Dhyana, enabling
participants to experience the comprehensive benefits of Yoga.
Yoga Mahotsav–2026 also showcased several flagship initiatives of the Ministry of Ayush, including the
“Yoga for Air Travel” protocol, “10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases,” and the Yoga 365
campaign aimed at integrating Yoga into daily life. A toll-free helpline (1800-315-7008) offering 14 days
of free guided Yoga practice was also highlighted.
The event marked the formal commencement of the 75-day countdown to the 12th International Day of
Yoga (IDY) 2026. The programme was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Ayush,
representatives of the district administration, and other distinguished guests.
Over the past eleven editions, the International Day of Yoga has emerged as one of the largest global
movements for health and well-being, with increasing international participation each year. The
forthcoming 12th edition will focus on addressing non-communicable diseases, promoting geriatric health,
and exploring the integration of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, with Yoga.
The Ministry of Ayush reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Yoga as a mass movement through Jan
Bhagidari, encouraging wider participation across the country and globally in the lead-up to IDY 2026.***
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