Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the flagship celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 in Kolkata on June 21, Union Minister of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav announced on June 15.
Addressing a press conference, Jadhav said the main event will take place on Kolkata’s iconic Red Road and will be centred around this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
He noted that International Day of Yoga has gained remarkable global momentum, with yoga sessions planned at nearly 2,500 venues worldwide. According to the minister, yoga has transformed into a global movement under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, encouraging millions across countries to adopt it as part of their daily routines.
Explaining the significance of this year’s theme, Jadhav said that as life expectancy increases globally, the focus should be on ensuring that people remain healthy, active, independent and mentally resilient in their later years. He described yoga as a proven holistic practice that supports physical fitness, mental well-being and an improved quality of life during ageing.
Highlighting the international reach of the initiative, he said that in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), over 210 Indian missions abroad will organise yoga programmes at around 2,500 locations across the world, reflecting yoga’s evolution from India’s cultural heritage into a shared global pursuit of health and wellness.
Jadhav also announced a major achievement ahead of IDY 2026, stating that a nationwide live yoga session held on June 14 witnessed the simultaneous participation of more than four lakh people, setting a new Guinness World Record.
The Ministry of Culture, he added, will host special International Day of Yoga programmes at 100 locations nationwide, integrating India’s rich cultural traditions with the practice of yoga.
The minister further highlighted the successful countdown events organised in recent months, including the 100-day countdown in Delhi, the 75-day event at Lonar in Maharashtra, the 50-day programme at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, and the 25-day celebration at Khajuraho.
He also spoke about the ongoing ‘Gangotri to Gangasagar: Ganga Tat Yoga Yatra’, being held from June 13 to 20. Covering destinations such as Gangotri, Haridwar, Varanasi, Patna, Hooghly and Gangasagar, the initiative aims to connect yoga with environmental awareness, river heritage and community participation.
Ahead of the main event, Kolkata will host several activities. On June 19, the city will organise ‘Doud se Dhyan’, a programme promoting the connection between physical fitness and mental wellness. Celebrations on June 20, including ‘Vande Yogam’ and West Bengal Day observances, will highlight the blend of yoga, patriotism and cultural heritage.
