India is all set to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, with the national celebration scheduled to take place at the iconic Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal, on June 21. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the nation in the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), marking another significant milestone in India’s efforts to promote Yoga as a global movement for health and well-being.
The national celebration at Red Road will begin at 5:00 AM, witnessing participation of thousands of Yoga enthusiasts at the venue, while millions of citizens are expected to join virtually from across India and abroad. The event will reaffirm Yoga’s growing role as a global movement promoting health, harmony and collective well-being.
The theme of International Day of Yoga 2026, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” (स्वस्थ आयु के लिए योग), highlights the importance of adopting Yoga as a lifelong practice for healthy, active and dignified ageing. The theme underlines Yoga’s contribution as a preventive healthcare approach that enhances physical vitality, mental resilience and emotional balance.
Ahead of the main celebrations, the Ministry of Ayush’s Yoga Sangam Portal has achieved a major milestone, with organisational registrations crossing the 6 lakh mark and continuing to rise steadily. The overwhelming response reflects the enthusiasm of institutions, communities and citizens towards making Yoga a true people’s movement.
IDY 2026 continues to witness remarkable global participation. Through the coordinated efforts of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), more than 210 Indian Missions abroad are organising Yoga celebrations across nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, demonstrating how Yoga, rooted in India’s ancient wisdom, has emerged as a global movement for holistic well-being.
Adding a cultural dimension to IDY 2026, the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is organising special Yoga celebrations across 100 iconic locations in the country, connecting India’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks and Yoga traditions. As part of this initiative, major celebrations will be held at 12 prominent locations including Red Fort in New Delhi, Haridwar in Uttarakhand, Konark in Odisha, Hampi in Karnataka, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, Mumbai in Maharashtra, Nalanda in Bihar, Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, Leh in Ladakh, Hyderabad in Telangana and Silchar in Assam. The initiative aims to showcase India’s civilisational legacy while highlighting Yoga as an integral part of the country’s cultural identity.
Citizens participating virtually in IDY 2026 are encouraged to join Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Common Yoga Protocol session, capture their Yoga moments and share them on social media to showcase India’s collective celebration of Yoga to the world.
The Ministry of Ayush has invited people from all walks of life to participate in large numbers at Red Road, Kolkata, from 5:00 AM onwards on June 21. Participants will also experience Ayush Aahar at the venue, promoting the message of holistic health and wellness.
The 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 celebration aims to strengthen the message of “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” (स्वस्थ आयु के लिए योग) and inspire citizens across the world to embrace Yoga as a way of life.
