By India marked the 12th International Yoga Day on Sunday with large-scale events across the country, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Kolkata’s iconic Red Road. As thousands gathered to participate in the mass yoga session, the Prime Minister emphasized yoga’s growing role as a tool for physical wellness, mental balance, and social harmony in an increasingly fast-paced world.
This year’s celebrations carried special significance as the theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” focused on promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle across generations. From school students and senior citizens to fitness enthusiasts and healthcare professionals, people from diverse backgrounds joined the nationwide observance, reflecting yoga’s broad appeal beyond geographical and cultural boundaries.
Addressing participants, Prime Minister Modi described yoga as a force that unites people across nations, languages, and traditions. He noted that what began as an ancient Indian practice has evolved into a global movement embraced by millions seeking healthier and more balanced lives.
The celebrations extended far beyond India’s borders. According to official estimates, Yoga Day events were organized at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with more than 210 Indian embassies, missions, and diplomatic posts coordinating programmes in different countries. The widespread participation highlighted the growing international acceptance of yoga as a holistic approach to well-being.
Over the last decade, International Yoga Day has become one of India’s most successful cultural and wellness initiatives on the global stage. Since the United Nations adopted India’s proposal to observe June 21 as International Yoga Day, participation has expanded steadily each year. The observance has helped bring greater awareness to the benefits of yoga, including improved flexibility, stress management, emotional resilience, and preventive healthcare.
Prime Minister Modi has personally led Yoga Day celebrations from different parts of the country over the years, reinforcing the event’s national and international importance. Previous editions have been hosted in cities such as New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, Srinagar, and Visakhapatnam, each showcasing yoga’s ability to bring together large communities in a spirit of wellness and unity.
Health experts participating in this year’s programmes stressed that yoga is particularly relevant at a time when lifestyle-related diseases and mental health challenges are becoming more common. They noted that regular practice can contribute significantly to healthy ageing by improving mobility, reducing stress, and enhancing overall quality of life.
As the 2026 celebrations unfolded across continents, the message remained clear: yoga is no longer viewed solely as a traditional practice from India but as a global movement promoting healthier living, inner balance, and collective well-being.
