Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 21, 2026) said that yoga unites and brings everyone together and has become the world’s largest community celebration.

“June 21, in some parts of the Earth marks the longest day, and because of International Yoga Day, this day has also become the day of the world’s largest collective celebration,” the Prime Minister said participating at an event on International Yoga Day in Kolkata.

Mr. Modi, who participated in Yoga along with a crowd of 35,000 people at Kolkata’s Red Road referred to Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Maharshi Aurobindo and Lahiri Mahasaya said that they took the “yoga tradition to new heights”.

Yoga practitioner and teacher P.V. Krishna Kumar performs Yogic postures while floating in a village tank in Venkatagiri constituency of Tirupati district on the occasion of International Day of Yoga on Sunday (June 21, 2026). 

Special arrangement

IIIT- Bangalore celebrated International Yoga Day with enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, and staff. The session brought the campus community together to practice yoga and embrace its benefits for physical well-being, mental wellness and holistic health.

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Dr. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, said, “It was inspiring to witness the enthusiastic participation of our students, faculty, and staff in the International Day of Yoga celebrations. Yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise; it is a holistic discipline that fosters health, focus, resilience, and inner harmony. The theme of this year’s observance, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing,’ underscores the enduring relevance of yoga in promoting lifelong well-being. In a rapidly changing world, such practices serve as a powerful reminder that sustained physical and mental wellness is built through small, conscious efforts made every day.”

Rashmi Patil

A special yoga programme was organised at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) headquarters in Mumbai to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga. National Stock Exchange (NSE) MD and CEO Ashish Kumar Chauhan, ANMI National President Kamlesh Shroff, and Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC participated in the event and performed various yoga asanas.

The sprawling Mysore Palace grounds came alive with the spirit of wellness and discipline on Sunday (June 21, 2026) as thousands of yoga practitioners and enthusiasts gathered to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga. Participants of all ages performed yoga asanas in synchrony, creating a spectacle against the backdrop of the city’s most iconic landmark.

Actor Akshay Kumar joined Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya in celebrating the 12th International Yoga Day in New Delhi, taking part in a mass yoga session held under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”

The event brought together more than 3,000 participants, with Mr. Akshay actively performing yoga alongside Mr. Mandaviya and other attendees.

Yoga enthusiasts participate in a yoga session to mark International Yoga Day at Ashwathy Auditorium, Vadakkanthara, Palakkad, on Sunday (June 21, 2026). 

Photo: K.K. Mustafah

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu led the State-level celebrations alongside yoga guru Baba Ramdev at Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation stadium in the early hours of Sunday (June 21, 2026).

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman joined Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in observing Yoga Day at the Brahmaputra riverfront in Guwahati on Sunday (June 21, 2026).

The Union minister has been in the northeastern region for the past four days on various official engagements.

At the yoga session held at the Brahmaputra riverfront, State Cabinet ministers Ajanta Neog and Ashok Singhal, along with people from various walks of life, were present besides Sitharaman and Sarma. “Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga at the Brahmaputra Riverfront in Guwahati, Assam,” her office said in a post on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated at the Yoga Day celebrations in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. 

Credit: Special arrangement

Thousands of yoga enthusiasts across the world marked the International Day of Yoga on Sunday (June 21, 2026), as Indian missions abroad organised events to highlight the ancient practice’s role in fostering health and well-being.

International Day of Yoga is celebrated globally on June 21 every year, since its adoption by the United Nations in 2014. The theme for this year’s event is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.

In China, around 400 people, including diplomats, academics, yoga practitioners and members of the Indian diaspora, participated in celebrations organised by the Consulate General of India in Shanghai at the Bund Finance Centre.

Addressing the gathering, Consul General Pratik Mathur described yoga as India’s gift to the world and underscored its growing role in promoting holistic health, mental well-being and active ageing, according to a statement issued by the consulate. -- PTI

Yoga is India’s invaluable gift to humankind, nourishing holistic well-being, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday (June 21, 2026) as he performed exercises at an event to mark the International Day of Yoga in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participated in the State-level yoga event at Mansa town in Gandhinagar district.

“Yoga is India’s invaluable gift to humankind which nourishes holistic well-being through energising mind, body and soul. Joined millions across the world in Yoga Day celebration by participating in a public yoga session in Ahmedabad,” Mr. Shah said in a post on X.

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also attended the programme in Ahmedabad.

CM Patel said this year’s theme is Yoga for Healthy Ageing, which gives a message that people can remain healthy through yoga.

Several enthusiasts performed aqua yoga (yoga in the water) in Vadodara. -- PTI

President Droupadi Murmu led the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday (June 21, 2026), performing asanas at the state-level event in Jabalpur.

Across the State, thousands of people participated in mass yoga sessions organised to mark the occasion.

Ms. Murmu, accompanied by MP Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, rolled out her mat to join the yoga session at the Garrison Ground in Jabalpur.

In Bhopal, a large number of people assembled at the TT Nagar Stadium to practise yoga and spread the message of healthy living. The administration made elaborate arrangements for security, drinking water, medical aid and other basic facilities.

In Indore, thousands of participants performed Bhramari Pranayama continuously for more than three minutes This reflected growing awareness about yoga and collective participation in wellness activities, organisers said. -- PTI

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday (June 21, 2026) participated in the 12th International Yoga Day celebrations organised at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore.

The event highlights the importance of yoga for a healthy lifestyle and holistic well-being, aligning with this year’s theme of enhancing healthspan alongside lifespan.

The celebration, beginning with the Vande Mataram song, has brought together students, faculty, and the public to embrace yoga as a way of life for harmony, balance, and inner peace.

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan also performed Yoga at Coimbatore. Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth performed Yoga at Rameswaram. Central Government departments in the State also have organised Yoga events in various places. -- PTI

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday (June 21, 2026) led the yoga day celebrations here and noted that it was helpful in maintaining both physical and mental health.

Addressing the gathering at SKICC on the banks of Dal Lake here, he said it guides us toward a more holistic realm of health and happiness.

“This year’s Yoga Day theme is ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’. With rising stress and modern health challenges, Yoga offers a powerful ray of hope. Let’s take a step toward wellness today by participating and committing to a healthier lifestyle,” Mr. Sinha said.

He urged the people of Jammu Kashmir to actively participate in yoga events and champion the movement toward a healthier lifestyle.

“Yoga stands as an invaluable treasure of our ancient Indian heritage, which harmonises mind and body, bridges the bond between humanity and nature, and guides us toward a more holistic realm of health and happiness,” he added. -- PTI

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday (June 21, 2026) stressed on the importance of yoga, saying it helps keep one free from disease.

“During childhood we used to hear that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body. A healthy mind will have a healthy brain. If brain is healthy, then soul will also be healthy. And in that God will reside. The beginning (of this) is a healthy body,” he said, while urging people to take up yoga The chief minister along with Ayush Minister Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ also did yoga in Jhansi. -- PTI

From high-altitude mountains to parade grounds in the plains, a large number of armed forces personnel took part in yoga sessions across the country to mark International Day of Yoga on Sunday (June 21, 2026).

All military commands of the three services — the Army, Navy and the Air Force — have been gearing up for this annual event, which seeks to promote physical fitness, mental resilience and holistic well-being.

In the national capital, the Indian Army is hosting the event at the Cariappa Parade Ground at Delhi Cantonment.

Army jawans and others, positioned in a huge grid formation, stretched their arms and legs to perform various ‘asanas’.

“The yoga session at the Cariappa Parade Ground began at around 6 am. About 3,500 people gathered at the venue for the event, including Army personnel and their families, several defence attaches, NCC cadets, and school children,” a senior Army officer told PTI.

Similar events have been lined up at various Army commands — Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern, Central and South Western Commands. -- PTI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday (June 21, 2026) said yoga has evolved into a global people’s movement under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and called on citizens to embrace it as part of their everyday routine.

Celebrating the International Day of Yoga at the Indian Air Force’s Advanced Landing Ground in Upper Shillong, Singh extended greetings to people and described yoga as “not merely the foundation of a healthy body, but a path to living a balanced and disciplined life.” “Through the continuous efforts and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this cultural heritage of India has today become a global people’s movement,” the Defence Minister said in a post on X.

“Yoga is a symbol of that power from India’s ancient tradition of knowledge, which is paving the way for the welfare of all humanity,” he said.

Urging people to adopt the practice in their daily lives, Mr. Singh said, “Let us, on this yoga day, resolve to make it an integral part of our daily lives for building a healthy body, a peaceful mind, and a strong nation.” -- PTI

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Sunday (June 21, 2026) described yoga as India’s timeless gift to the world and urged people to embrace the practice for a healthier, happier and more mindful society.

Mr. Singh joined Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and hundreds of participants in observing the 12th International Day of Yoga at the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium here.

The CM also watched the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Kolkata’s Red Road.

In a post on X, Mr. Singh said, “Joined people across Manipur in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga under the theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” He also said “Yoga, India’s timeless gift to the world, promotes physical well-being, mental resilience, and inner harmony” and called on all to “embrace this practice and work towards a healthier, happier, and more mindful society.” -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 21, 2026) said yoga has become the world’s largest community celebration, bringing people together across countries and cultures.

Speaking at the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Kolkata, Mr. Modi said June 21, the longest day on the Earth, is now recognised worldwide as a day of yoga.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in observing the 12th International Day of Yoga from Kolkata’s Red Road, where thousands of people joined him in performing the morning exercises.

Participating in the Common Yoga Protocol session, Mr. Modi performed yoga alongside thousands of practitioners at the iconic venue, flanked by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command headquarters on one side and the sprawling Maidan on the other. -- PTI

Addressing the nation during participating in the 12th International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “Yoga helps us live in balanced manner, teaches us dos and don’ts.”

The Prime Minister further said “Our target is to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30.”

He said “Yoga helps us find path to physical fitness through mental health.” 

“We should not restrict yoga to only particular occasions, it must be made part of our lives,” said Mr. Modi. -- PTI

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extended greetings on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, highlighting yoga’s global reach and its role in promoting physical and mental well-being across generations.

In a post on X, Mr. Guterres said yoga, which traces its origins to ancient India, has evolved into a universal practice embraced by people of all faiths and cultures.

“From its deep roots in ancient India, yoga has become truly universal, helping millions of people of all faiths & cultures find calm, build strength & live with purpose,” Mr. Guterres said. -- ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation by participating at the 12th International Yoga Day from Red Road in Kolkata on Sunday (June 21, 2026). 

Addressing the nation, Mr. Modi said “June 21 marks longest day on Earth, it has now become largest community celebration day because of yoga”.

The Prime Minister said “Yoga brings people together; I congratulate people of the world on this occasion. Yoga is not just physical exercise, not restricted to any age group; it is expression of human spirit.” -- PTI

Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer has issued a proclamation in recognition of the International Day of Yoga in the state and urged residents to explore the practice for a healthier lifestyle.

In a proclamation, Meyer said yoga is a 5,000-year-old ancient practice from India that integrates the mind, body, and spirit to enhance overall health and well-being.

He said the practice of yoga fosters physical strength, flexibility, mental clarity, and emotional balance, offering valuable tools for managing stress and improving community health.

“Now, Therefore, I, Matthew Meyer, Governor, do hereby proclaim June 21, 2026, as INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA in the State of Delaware, and encourage all residents to explore this practice for a healthier lifestyle,” the proclamation read. -- PTI

At a time when the world is navigating conflict, uncertainty, and rising psychological strain, the idea of peace demands renewed attention. Traditionally approached through diplomacy and policy, peace is often framed as an external goal, negotiated across borders and institutions. Yet, despite these efforts, societies remain increasingly unsettled, suggesting that peace cannot be secured externally alone. It must also be cultivated within. Yoga facilitates this journey.

Yoga has become a cultural link that unites individuals from different continents, with the yearly celebrations of International Yoga Day evolving into a worldwide phenomenon. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” and means to “join” or to “yoke”. It is a pathway to positive changes in body and mind.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the main event of the International Day of Yoga in Kolkata on June 21, Union Minister for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Jadhav said this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, highlights the role of yoga in promoting physical health, mental well-being and healthy ageing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Sunday (June 21, 2026) morning lead the nation in observing the 12th International Day of Yoga from the Red Road in Kolkata.

This year’s theme for the International Day of Yoga is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting its role in promoting physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience and active ageing, contributing to an improved quality of life.