The Ministry of AYUSH in a curtain-raiser function in New Delhi announced that the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 will be celebrated in Kolkata on June 21 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm of the event.
The main programme will be held at iconic Red Road, Kolkata, which will host one of the biggest Yoga Day celebrations in the country this year.
Also Read | FSSAI cracks down on misleading ‘healthy’ and ‘organic’ food claims, issues notices to multiple brands
Kolkata, West Bengal: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari says, “Kolkata will welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a cleanliness drive. The programme has started from today, and we are here in connection with that initiative…We have got the opportunity to host the main event… pic.twitter.com/bcDhNqcwoh
— IANS (@ians_india) June 15, 2026
Theme: ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, unveiled the theme for the celebration this year, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’. The theme is designed to raise awareness about the importance of yoga practices for the health of the body, mind, and overall quality of life, especially in an aging population all over the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Jadhav said people were living longer than ever before but what was important now was that they enjoy the additional years in a healthy, active and meaningful manner. He said yoga was a holistic and age-old ways to ensure age-friendly life.
Yoga Day is celebrated worldwide
The Ministry of AYUSH also announced it will be a large-scale global outreach programme. Indian missions overseas are likely to organise Yoga Day activities at almost 2,500 centres across the globe in collaboration with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
The celebration has been gaining momentum as a health and wellness movement worldwide after India’s proposal for the International Day of Yoga was accepted by the United Nations in 2014, officials said.
STORY | PM Modi to lead Main event of Yoga Day to be held in Kolkata on June 21
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 here on Monday.
READ:… pic.twitter.com/MG26iXmnhP
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 15, 2026
Reports of preparations now underway in Kolkata
In the run-up to the main event, there will be several events in Kolkata, namely “Doud Se Dhyan” on June 19 and “Vande Yogam” on June 20. Authorities anticipate some tens of thousands of participants, and preparations are underway for a large-scale event that could potentially break participation records.
The Ministry has appealed people in India to join the celebration and adopt yoga as daily practice.
Also Read | India’s first 8-lane tunnel under tiger reserve set to open soon; to cut Delhi-Mumbai travel time
FAQs
Q1: PM Modi will conduct the International Yoga Day 2026 in which place?
Ans: The national Yoga day will be celebrated by PM Modi at the Red Road, Kolkata on June 21, 2026.
Q2: What is the theme of International day of Yoga 2026?
Ans: The theme is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, which highlights healthy living, active living and healthy longevity.
