**Executive Summary**
On June 21, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at Red Road, Kolkata, under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” The event focused on transitioning Yoga from a single-day observance to a daily lifestyle through the “Yoga 365” initiative. Key objectives included strengthening the global wellness ecosystem and fostering international cooperation through widespread participation across 180 countries.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**National and Global Observance**
* **Venue and Leadership:** The national celebration was held in Kolkata, West Bengal, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Shri R. N. Ravi, and Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari.
* **Theme:** The 2026 theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” emphasizes Yoga as a comprehensive approach to life that promotes vitality, resilience, and emotional strength at every stage of life.
* **Global Scale:** International Day of Yoga is now observed in more than 180 countries, with 210 Indian Missions coordinating celebrations across nearly 2,500 locations worldwide.
**Key Initiatives and Digital Outreach**
* **Yoga 365:** A primary initiative aimed at encouraging citizens to make Yoga an integral part of their daily routine throughout the year.
* **Online Programming:** A 100-day online Yoga programme was launched, witnessing participation from over 30 lakh people across 130 countries.
* **Yoga Sangam Portal:** This digital platform has recorded registrations from over six lakh organisations, reflecting a shift toward a "people’s movement."
**Cultural and Institutional Integration**
* **Heritage Sites:** The Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) organized Yoga events at 100 iconic historical landmarks across India.
* **Ayush Services:** The Ministry of Ayush is working to expand access to traditional systems of medicine and strengthen the national wellness ecosystem.
* **Philosophy of Balance:** The Prime Minister highlighted Yoga as a practical pathway to harmony and discipline, referencing the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings on balanced living.
**Impact Analysis**
**General Public / Citizens**
**Impact**
Individuals are encouraged to view Yoga not just as physical exercise, but as a tool for mental wellness, stress reduction, and healthy ageing.
**Action Required**
Citizens are urged to adopt the “Yoga 365” philosophy by incorporating the Common Yoga Protocol into their daily lives rather than limiting practice to a single day.
**Ministry of Ayush**
**Impact**
As the lead agency, the Ministry is responsible for the growing global relevance of Yoga and the expansion of the wellness ecosystem.
**Action Required**
The Ministry must continue to facilitate large-scale public outreach, manage digital participation campaigns, and expand access to Ayush services.
**Indian Missions and ICCR**
**Impact**
These entities serve as the primary coordinators for international outreach and the global promotion of Indian cultural traditions.
**Action Required**
Coordinated efforts are required to organize and manage celebrations across 2,500 global locations to maintain the momentum of Yoga as a global movement.
**Ministry of Culture / Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)**
**Impact**
These stakeholders are responsible for connecting India’s spiritual traditions with its physical and historical heritage.
**Action Required**
They must continue to organize and oversee specialized Yoga events at 100 identified iconic locations and historical landmarks.
Key Entities Referenced
12th International Day of Yoga: The 2026 global observance themed 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', focusing on promoting physical and mental well-being through the practice of yoga.
Ministry of Ayush: The nodal Union Ministry responsible for organizing the national celebration and implementing traditional wellness initiatives and services.
Yoga 365: A government initiative aimed at encouraging citizens to integrate yoga into their daily routines throughout the entire year.
Common Yoga Protocol: A standardized set of yoga practices and guidelines developed to facilitate mass participation and uniform observance during yoga events.
Yoga Sangam Portal: A digital platform used for the registration of organizations and coordinating participation in the International Day of Yoga celebrations.
AYUSH
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in
12th International Day of Yoga celebrations at
Kolkata's Red Road
"Yoga has the unique power to connect people, societies and
nations" - Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
"Yoga helps us remain healthy, active and energetic as we
age" - Prime Minister
"Yoga is not just for personal well-being; it is also a pathway
to global peace" - Prime Minister
"Let us not limit Yoga to a single day; let us make it a part of
everyday life" - Prime Minister
"People from Darjeeling to Digha and Cooch Behar have
participated enthusiastically in Yoga celebrations"- Chief
Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari
"'Yoga 365' encourages citizens to make Yoga a part of their
daily lives throughout the year" - Union Minister of State
(Independent Charge) for Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav
प्रव तथ: 21 JUN 2026 8:14AM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the national celebration of the 12th International
Day of Yoga (IDY) at the historic Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal. Leading the national observance
under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, he performed the Common Yoga Protocol along with
thousands of participants, while lakhs of people across India and the world joined the celebrations.
Governor of West Bengal Shri R. N. Ravi, Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari, Union Minister of State
(Independent Charge) for Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extended greetings to people across India
and the world on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga. He noted that 21 June had evolved
into one of the largest collective celebrations in the world, with people from different countries and
cultures coming together through the practice of Yoga. The Prime Minister remarked that from theHimalayas to the Indian Ocean and from Bengal to Saurashtra, the entire nation was filled with the energy
and spirit of Yoga. He said Yoga has the unique power to connect people, societies and nations, and
continues to strengthen the bonds of human unity.
The Prime Minister observed that holding the national celebration in West Bengal was particularly
significant given the State's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Recalling the contributions of great
spiritual leaders and thinkers associated with Bengal, including Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and
other luminaries who helped spread the message of Yoga to the world, he said the land has long nurtured
traditions that emphasise the unity of mind, body and spirit. He added that the collective Yoga session in
Kolkata reflected this enduring legacy.
Highlighting the theme of International Day of Yoga 2026, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, PM Shri Modi
said Yoga is not limited to physical exercise or any particular age group, but is a comprehensive approach
to life that promotes vitality, resilience and well-being at every stage of life. He said Yoga enables
individuals to remain healthy, active and energetic as they age, while helping them maintain physical
flexibility, mental balance and emotional strength.
The Prime Minister noted that Yoga teaches the importance of balance in all aspects of life. Referring to
the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, he said balanced habits, balanced actions and balanced living form the
foundation of well-being. He observed that many of the challenges faced by modern society stem from
imbalance in lifestyle, and Yoga offers a practical pathway towards harmony, discipline and inner peace.
Emphasising the holistic nature of Yoga, Shri Modi said its benefits extend beyond physical fitness to
mental wellness and emotional stability. He remarked that Yoga fosters self-awareness, reduces stress and
contributes to a more peaceful and harmonious society. The Prime Minister added that while Yoga
enriches individual lives, it also serves as a powerful force for promoting understanding, cooperation and
peace across the world.
Calling upon citizens to make Yoga an integral part of daily life, the Prime Minister urged people not to
limit Yoga to a single day of observance. He highlighted the “Yoga 365” initiative and the 100-day online
Yoga programme launched this year, which witnessed participation from more than 30 lakh people across
130 countries. He expressed confidence that wider adoption of Yoga would contribute to a healthier,
stronger and more self-reliant society, and concluded with the prayer, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve
Santu Niramayah”.
Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari welcomed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and other dignitaries
to Kolkata and expressed gratitude for selecting West Bengal as the venue for the national celebration of
the 12th International Day of Yoga. He said the event had generated unprecedented enthusiasm across the
State, with people from all districts, from Darjeeling to Digha and Cooch Behar, participating in Yoga
activities and celebrations. He noted that large numbers of citizens had joined the observance in Kolkata
and across West Bengal, reflecting the growing acceptance of Yoga as a way of life.
Highlighting Bengal's rich spiritual and cultural heritage, Shri Adhikari recalled the contributions of
Swami Vivekananda and other great thinkers who emphasised the importance of Yoga for the development
of mind, body and character. He said that the principles of Yoga are deeply embedded in India's
civilisational traditions and continue to inspire people towards a balanced and disciplined life. He thanked
the Prime Minister for bringing the International Day of Yoga celebration to Kolkata and conveyed the
gratitude of the people of West Bengal for the opportunity to host the landmark event.
Welcoming the gathering, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav
said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Yoga has evolved into a
truly global movement for health and well-being. He noted that since the adoption of the United Nationsresolution on the International Day of Yoga in 2014, Yoga is now celebrated in more than 180 countries,
reflecting its universal appeal and growing relevance in contemporary society.
Referring to this year's theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", Shri Jadhav highlighted the Ministry's "Yoga
365" initiative aimed at encouraging citizens to make Yoga a part of their daily lives throughout the year.
He also highlighted several initiatives undertaken for IDY 2026, including large-scale public outreach
programmes, digital participation campaigns and innovative Yoga activities. Reiterating the Government's
commitment to promoting India's traditional systems of medicine, he said that the Ministry of Ayush is
working to expand access to Ayush services and strengthen the country's wellness ecosystem under the
guidance of the Prime Minister.
The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from Yoga practitioners, students, volunteers,
representatives of various organisations and members of the public at Kolkata's Red Road. Lakhs of
people across the country and around the world also joined the observance through Yoga sessions,
community events and virtual platforms, reflecting the widespread appeal of Yoga as a movement for
health and well-being.
The celebrations are witnessing unprecedented public participation, with registrations on the Yoga Sangam
Portal having crossed six lakh organisations. The overwhelming response reflects the enthusiasm of
institutions, communities and citizens towards making Yoga a true people's movement.
International Day of Yoga 2026 is also witnessing remarkable global participation. Through the
coordinated efforts of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), more than 210 Indian Missions
are organising Yoga celebrations across nearly 2,500 locations worldwide.
Adding a cultural dimension to the celebrations, the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is organising special Yoga events across 100 iconic locations in the
country, connecting India's rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks and Yoga traditions.CCeelleebbrraattiioonn ooff tthhee 1122tthh IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall DDaayy ooff YYooggaa 22002266 iinn
Ministry of Ayush
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