India observed the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21 June 2026, with celebrations held across the country and around the world. This year’s theme, Yoga for Healthy Ageing, highlights the importance of yoga for people of all ages.
The main national event was held at the historic Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol. Addressing those gathered, the Prime Minister said: “Yoga is not only essential for our personal lifestyle today. Yoga is also a necessity for a better future for the world. We will not limit yoga to just one day, we will not limit yoga to just one program, we will make yoga a part of our lives.”
Record-Breaking Lead-Up
Ahead of IDY 2026, the Ministry of Ayush set a new Guinness World Record for the most viewers of a YouTube live yoga stream, with 435,831 viewers joining a special global online yoga session streamed through the official Ministry of Ayush YouTube channel. This surpassed the previous record of 246,252 viewers set in 2024.
Addressing participants, Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav said, “Today’s achievement demonstrates the extraordinary power of Yoga to connect people across regions, cultures, and nations through a shared commitment to health and well-being.”
A separate nationwide live yoga session organised on 14 June also saw the participation of more than four lakh persons joining simultaneously, creating a further Guinness World Record.
Countdown Events and Government Initiatives
Preparations for IDY 2026 commenced well in advance. The 100-day countdown was launched at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on 13 March 2026, followed by the 75-day countdown event at Lonar in Maharashtra and the 50-day countdown at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad.
The government also launched the campaign 100 Days, 100 Cities, 100 Organisations, encouraging institutions and communities across the country to make yoga a regular part of their daily lives. The Yoga Sangam Portal was launched to facilitate registrations and event coordination across organisations and communities.
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), organised a special IDY programme at The Ashok in New Delhi, with sessions led by expert instructors from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga.
The Ministry of Culture organised special International Day of Yoga events at 100 iconic locations across the country.
International Observances
Through the coordinated efforts of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Indian missions abroad, Yoga Day celebrations this year were organised across nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with participation from more than 210 Indian missions. Today, the International Day of Yoga is observed in more than 190 countries.
The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations organised an IDY 2026 event at the North Lawn of the UN Headquarters in New York on 18 June. More than 800 participants took part.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued an official message, stating: “From its deep roots in ancient India, yoga has become truly universal, helping millions of all faiths and cultures find calm, build strength and live with purpose.” He added: “On this International Day, let us extend that care to the older members of our human family and build a world where every generation can lead a healthy life.”
India’s Consulate General in Shanghai held an event at the Bund Finance Centre with 400 participants, including diplomats, academics, and members of the Indian diaspora. Separately, thousands gathered at Nepal’s Pokhara Stadium, and the Indian High Commissioner attended a dedicated event in Dhaka. In total, IDY 2026 was observed across nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with more than 210 Indian missions participating.
