Delhi: The national celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 was held with grandeur at Kolkata’s historic Red Road, where the Narendra Modi led mass yoga demonstrations under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” joined by thousands of participants on-site and millions across India and abroad.
The Prime Minister performed the Common Yoga Protocol along with citizens, marking one of the largest collective yoga gatherings of the year. The event was attended by Governor of West Bengal R. N. Ravi, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav, along with other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister extended greetings on International Day of Yoga and highlighted that Yoga has evolved into a global movement connecting people, societies, and nations. He emphasized that Yoga fosters unity, discipline, and balance, and contributes to both individual well-being and global harmony.
He noted that Yoga is not limited to physical exercise but is a holistic way of life that helps individuals remain healthy, active, and energetic throughout ageing. Stressing its broader relevance, he said Yoga promotes emotional stability, mental clarity, and resilience, making it especially important in today’s fast-paced world.
Reiterating Yoga’s universal message, the Prime Minister said it is not only a path to personal wellness but also a bridge to global peace and cooperation. He urged citizens not to confine Yoga to a single day, but to adopt it as a daily practice, highlighting initiatives such as “Yoga 365” and nationwide digital participation programmes.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the Prime Minister and noted the enthusiastic participation of people across West Bengal, from Darjeeling to Digha and Cooch Behar, reflecting the deep cultural acceptance of Yoga across the State. He highlighted Bengal’s spiritual heritage and its historic contribution to the spread of Yoga and philosophical thought.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said Yoga has transformed into a global wellness movement under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He noted that since India’s proposal at the United Nations in 2014, Yoga is now practiced in more than 180 countries. He also highlighted the “Yoga 365” initiative aimed at integrating Yoga into daily life throughout the year.
The celebrations witnessed massive participation at Red Road, with lakhs of people joining virtually and physically. Across India and abroad, yoga sessions, community events, and institutional programmes marked the occasion, reflecting Yoga’s growing global reach.
According to official data, participation in the Yoga Sangam initiative crossed six lakh organisations, making it one of the largest coordinated wellness movements in recent years. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) coordinated celebrations across more than 210 Indian Missions in nearly 2,500 global locations.
The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), also organised special yoga events at 100 iconic heritage sites across the country, blending India’s cultural legacy with its ancient wellness tradition.
The 12th International Day of Yoga concluded with a strong message of unity, health, and global well-being, reinforcing Yoga’s role as a timeless practice for harmony of body, mind, and society.
