Delhi: The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Ayush, observed the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 with a series of engaging programmes aimed at promoting holistic health, preventive care, and the integration of Yoga into everyday life.
The main celebration took place at the AIIA campus in New Delhi and began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Prof. (Vd.) P.K. Prajapati, Director, AIIA. The event saw the participation of distinguished guests including Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajagopala, Dean, University of Delhi, Dr. Yogesh Badwe, Medical Superintendent of AIIA, and Dr. Shiv Kumar Harti, Head of the Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga, along with faculty members, healthcare professionals, staff, and students.
As part of its broader outreach efforts, AIIA also collaborated with the Supreme Court of India to organize a special yoga session within the court premises. The programme was attended by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court, and senior officials from AIIA, highlighting the growing institutional support for yoga-based wellness practices.
In the run-up to the International Day of Yoga, the institute organized a range of preparatory activities to encourage wider participation. These included a yogasana competition for faculty members, non-teaching staff, and their families, as well as a 15-day yoga camp for children up to 15 years of age. More than 100 children participated in the camp, learning foundational yoga practices designed to support physical strength, mental balance, and emotional well-being.
The Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga also conducted a three-day Shatkarma workshop from 4 to 6 June 2026, involving faculty, postgraduate and PhD scholars, staff members, and members of the public. The sessions featured expert demonstrations and guidance on traditional yogic cleansing techniques, with nearly 40 participants gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of specialists, including Hathayogi Kesava Viswakarma and Mrs. Jhansi Rani.
In addition, a yoga quiz competition held on 3 June 2026 engaged postgraduate and doctoral scholars as well as staff, further enriching the academic and awareness-building activities leading up to the main celebration.
The observance concluded with a reaffirmation of AIIA’s commitment to promoting Yoga and Ayurveda as complementary systems of holistic healthcare. The institute emphasized the importance of integrating yoga into daily routines to support healthy ageing, overall wellness, and a balanced lifestyle for all sections of society.
