**Executive Summary**
The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, will host “Yoga Mahotsav – 2026” on May 27, 2026, at the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho. This event serves as the official 25-day countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, aimed at building nationwide awareness and public participation. Key activities include a collective performance of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) starting at 6:00 a.m. and the distribution of Ayush Aahara to participants.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Event Overview and Objectives**
* The event marks a significant milestone in the 100-day nationwide countdown campaign for IDY 2026, involving 100 institutions across 100 locations.
* It aims to harmonize India’s cultural heritage with modern wellness by utilizing the world heritage site of Khajuraho as a backdrop.
* The program focuses on promoting Yoga as a scientifically grounded solution for contemporary lifestyle-related challenges.
**National Initiatives and Campaigns**
* **Yoga 365 Days:** A collaborative initiative between MDNIY, the Ministry of Ayush, and Habuild offering a 100-day free Yoga training campaign ending on June 21.
* **Yoga Mitras:** Over two lakh participants have already registered for the free training program.
* **Outreach:** The 25-day countdown phase includes nationwide Yoga demonstrations, awareness campaigns, and community-based activities.
**Program Details**
* **Commencement:** The Khajuraho program is scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m.
* **Protocol:** Participants will perform the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), a set of standardized yoga practices.
* **Nutrition:** Participants will receive "Ayush Aahara," promoting healthy traditional dietary practices.
**Leadership and Participation**
* The event will be attended by Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav and Madhya Pradesh Minister Shri Inder Singh Parmar.
* Participants include Yoga practitioners, students, officials, wellness enthusiasts, and representatives from both Ayush and modern medicine systems.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Ministry of Ayush and MDNIY**
**Impact**
The Ministry is positioned as the lead coordinator for a global wellness movement, strengthening the momentum toward the 12th International Day of Yoga.
**Action Required**
Oversee the 100-day countdown campaign and ensure the successful execution of the Khajuraho event and the "Yoga 365 Days" initiative.
**Stakeholder: Yoga Practitioners, Students, and Enthusiasts**
**Impact**
Individuals gain access to free training resources and a high-profile platform for collective practice, fostering a sense of community and holistic health.
**Action Required**
Attend the Khajuraho event at 6:00 a.m. or register as "Yoga Mitras" for the ongoing 100-day free training campaign.
**Stakeholder: General Public and Local Community**
**Impact**
Increased awareness of the benefits of Yoga and the cultural significance of the Khajuraho heritage site in the context of modern wellness.
**Action Required**
Engage in local community-based Yoga activities and awareness campaigns leading up to June 21.
Key Entities Referenced
International Day of Yoga (IDY): The global annual event for which the Ministry of Ayush is conducting nationwide countdown campaigns and the Yoga Mahotsav 2026.
Ministry of Ayush: The primary government ministry responsible for organizing the 100-day nationwide countdown and promoting the reach of Yoga across India.
Yoga Mahotsav: A specific 25-day countdown program and festival organized to build awareness and encourage public participation through Yoga demonstrations.
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY): The nodal institute under the Ministry of Ayush responsible for organizing the Yoga Mahotsav and the 'Yoga 365 Days' initiative.
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh: The central location and host site for the 25-day countdown event, specifically the Western Group of Temples.
AYUSH
World heritage site Khajuraho All Set to Host 25-
Day Countdown Event for IDY 2026
Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav addresses a Press
Conference Ahead of the Event at Khajuraho
“Khajuraho Reflects the Harmony Between India’s Heritage
and Modern Wellness”: Shri Prataprao Jadhav
Yoga Enthusiasts to Gather at the Western Group of Temples
in Khajuraho
Nationwide Momentum for IDY 2026 Strengthens with Yoga
Mahotsav at Khajuraho
Posted On: 26 MAY 2026 4:33PM by PIB Delhi
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, will organise “Yoga
Mahotsav – 25-Day Countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026” tomorrow at the Western
Group of Temples in Khajuraho, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh.
Ahead of the event, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Minister of
State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav addressed a press conference in Khajuraho
today. Member of Parliament from Khajuraho Lok Sabha constituency, Shri Vishnu Dutt Sharma, and
MLA from Rajnagar Assembly constituency, Shri Arvind Pateriya, were also present during the press
conference.
Addressing the media, Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav said that “Yoga Mahotsav–2026” marks an
important milestone in the nationwide preparations for the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 and
reflects the Government’s commitment to expanding the reach of Yoga across the country. He informed
that the Ministry of Ayush is conducting a 100-day nationwide countdown campaign in collaboration with
100 institutions across 100 locations to strengthen awareness and encourage wider public participation
ahead of IDY 2026..
The Minister noted that Yoga, an integral part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, has evolved into a
global movement for holistic health and wellness following the United Nations’ adoption of the
International Day of Yoga in 2014, after the initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He further
stated that under the “Yoga 365 Days” initiative, MDNIY, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush and
Habuild, is conducting a 100-day free Yoga training campaign till 21 June, with more than two lakh
participants already registered as “Yoga Mitras”.Highlighting the significance of the event, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated: “Yoga is a priceless gift of India’s
ancient wisdom tradition, which has shown the world the path of a balanced, holistic, and healthy lifestyle.
At a time of rising lifestyle-related challenges, Yoga is emerging as an effective, scientifically grounded
solution. Khajuraho stands as a living symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage, and organizing a 25-day
Yoga Festival at such a historic site beautifully reflects the harmony between Indian tradition and modern
wellness. I am confident that this festival will play a significant role in further enhancing the global
acceptance of Yoga and promoting its wider outreach among people.”
Yoga Mahotsav: 25-Day Countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026
The 25-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga is observed every year as an important outreach
phase to build awareness and encourage public participation through Yoga demonstrations, awareness
campaigns, and community-based activities organised across the country.
The programme will commence at 6:00 a.m. and is expected to witness enthusiastic participation from
Yoga practitioners, students, officials, and wellness enthusiasts from across the country, who will
collectively perform the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP).
The event will be graced by Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav along with Shri Inder Singh Parmar,
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the AYUSH Department in the Government of Madhya
Pradesh. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Ms. Monalisa Dash; Director, Morarji Desai National Institute
of Yoga, Prof. (Dr.) Kashinath Samagandi; senior officials of the Ministry, Yoga experts, representatives
from Ayush systems and modern medicine, and Yoga practitioners from different parts of the country will
also participate in the programme.
As part of the event, Ayush Aahara will also be distributed among participants.
Renowned worldwide for its magnificent temple architecture and serene surroundings, Khajuraho
provides a fitting backdrop for Yoga Mahotsav 2026. The event highlights the connection between India’s
ancient traditions and holistic wellness, while further strengthening the momentum towards IDY 2026.***
SR/SV/SG
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