International Yoga Day 2026: PM Modi leads celebrations, takes part in mass yoga session in Kolkata

On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, Jharkhand Minister and Congress leader Irfan Ansari stressed the importance of good health, saying that yoga promotes physical and mental well-being and conveys the message that "health is the greatest wealth in life." 

Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with staff members of PMO, NSCS and Cabinet Secretariat, perform yoga at Seva Teerth.

Union Minister Parvesh Verma participates in the International Day of Yoga 2026 programme organised by Brahma Kumaris and the Ministry of Ayush at the Red Fort.

Marking the 12th International Day of Yoga, Army Chief designate and Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth participated in a yoga session in the national capital on Saturday. The senior military officer joined personnel in performing various yoga asanas, underscoring the importance of physical fitness, mental resilience and holistic well-being.

Marking the 12th International Day of Yoga in a unique and visually striking manner, a group of enthusiasts performed yoga underwater in Gujarat's Vadodara on Saturday. The participants showcased various yoga postures beneath the water's surface, drawing attention to the growing popularity and versatility of the ancient Indian practice.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma participated in yoga sessions at the scenic hill station of Mount Abu on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga on Saturday. Joining hundreds of participants, Sharma performed various yoga asanas.

West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the International Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata, highlighting his fitness and active public life at the age of 75. Ghosh said Modi's commitment to yoga has inspired people across the country and helped popularise the practice on a global scale.

“Our Prime Minister is seventy-five, yet he remains fit, travels across the world and continues to drive the nation forward.”

Union Ministers Jayant Chaudhary and Anupriya Patel, along with BJP MP Anurag Thakur and Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, participated in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Mumbai. The leaders performed yoga alongside participants as part of nationwide events promoting health, fitness and holistic well-being through the ancient practice.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi participated in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations by performing yoga in Bhubaneswar. The event saw enthusiastic participation from citizens and yoga practitioners as part of nationwide programmes promoting health, wellness and mindfulness through yoga.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations by performing yoga in Ambikapur. The event was attended by a large number of yoga enthusiasts and formed part of nationwide programmes promoting health and wellness through the ancient practice.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations by performing yoga alongside thousands of participants at Kolkata's Red Road. The event formed part of nationwide observances highlighting the importance of yoga for physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations by performing yoga in Shillong. The event was held as part of nationwide programmes marking the annual observance of Yoga Day.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participated in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations by performing yoga in Ahmedabad. The event was held as part of nationwide observances promoting the benefits of yoga for physical and mental well-being.

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari participated in the 12th International Yoga Day celebrations by performing yoga at an event organised at the iconic Albert Hall Museum. The programme witnessed the participation of hundreds of yoga enthusiasts, along with BJP MLA Gopal Sharma. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was a special privilege to be in West Bengal on International Yoga Day. He paid tribute to revered figures such as Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda and Lahiri Mahasaya, crediting them for spreading and elevating the tradition of yoga.

“The sacred land of Bengal gave the world saints like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, who introduced yoga to the world. Today, practising yoga collectively on this very land is a unique spiritual experience," he said. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to make yoga a daily habit rather than limiting it to a single day or event. Addressing the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Kolkata, he called on citizens to integrate yoga into their lives and family routines, saying its benefits can be fully realised only through regular practice.

“Let us resolve not to limit yoga to just one day or one programme. Let us make yoga a part of our lives and our families.”

PM Modi also spoke of the government's “Yoga 365” initiative, aimed at encouraging year-round participation in yoga activities. He noted that a “100-day yoga programme had been organised as part of efforts to promote the practice beyond the annual celebration of International Yoga Day.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the importance of yoga in maintaining health and vitality throughout life, saying people should aim to remain fitter and more energetic as they grow older. Addressing the International Day of Yoga event in Kolkata, he said yoga can help individuals stay flexible, active and resilient against lifestyle-related diseases.

“Our target should be to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20, more energetic at 50 than we were at 30, and more resilient to lifestyle diseases than we were at 50. This is where yoga can help us.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the entire country appeared filled with the energy and consciousness of yoga as millions marked the 12th International Day of Yoga. Addressing a gathering in Kolkata, he said that “from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, and from eastern to western India, people were coming together through the shared spirit of yoga.”

“Yoga unites everyone, it brings everyone together,” he said. 

Calling yoga a powerful force of connection, PM Modi said the “practice was helping people across the world feel more connected to one another beyond borders and differences.” He also extended his greetings to people around the globe on the occasion of International Yoga Day.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Jhansi, saying that India's traditions and cultural heritage have gained global recognition under his leadership. He said the Prime Minister has helped instill a sense of pride among Indians while advancing the vision of a developed India. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the stage at Red Road in Kolkata for the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations. Thousands of participants gathered at the iconic venue to join the mass yoga session, making it one of the largest Yoga Day events in the country. 

Vivada Cruise is set to host special International Yoga Day celebrations on the Ganges, with the iconic Howrah Bridge providing a striking backdrop for the event. The programme is part of the wider Yoga Day observances taking place across Kolkata, where large-scale participation is expected. The city is at the centre of this year's celebrations as Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the national event from Red Road, marking the 12th International Day of Yoga under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari arrived at the venue ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Kolkata on Sunday. 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu arrived at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Labbipet, Vijayawada, to take part in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations. The event, led by Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, witnessed enthusiastic participation from yoga practitioners, public representatives and residents. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was felicitated with a sapling during the International Day of Yoga celebrations held at the Jhansi Fort Ground in Jhansi. 

A massive crowd gathered at Kolkata's historic Red Road on the occasion of the 12th International Yoga Day, with thousands of people assembling to participate in the large-scale yoga session. 

Ahead of the main International Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata, West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said extensive preparations have been made for the event, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that participants have been practising for the past 10 days and that arrangements have been put in place for around 30,000 people. The event is expected to be one of the largest Yoga Day gatherings in the country, with thousands joining in the mass yoga session.

As part of International Yoga Day celebrations, women participated in a special aqua yoga session at the Sama Sports Complex swimming pool in Vadodara, Gujarat. The unique activity combined traditional yoga movements with water-based exercises, promoting flexibility, balance and overall wellness. The event showcased innovative ways of practising yoga while encouraging people of all ages to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev participated in the International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Labbipet, Andhra Pradesh. The event was organised under this year's theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing,' and saw large-scale participation from yoga enthusiasts. Ramdev led attendees through various yoga postures and breathing exercises, promoting the benefits of yoga for maintaining physical fitness and overall well-being throughout life.

The 47th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) marked the 12th International Day of Yoga by performing yoga sessions along the scenic banks of Pangong Tso in Leh, Ladakh. Surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayan landscape, ITBP personnel participated in various yoga exercises, showcasing the importance of physical fitness, mental well-being and discipline. 

Marking International Yoga Day 2026, renowned sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo created a unique sand animation in Puri, Odisha, featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi practicing yoga. The artwork, completed in around 30 minutes, showcases this year's theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing.'

The 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations are underway in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, with Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev leading a large gathering at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Labbipet. Hundreds of participants have joined the event, performing various yoga asanas and breathing exercises as part of the nationwide observance. 

International Yoga Day is being celebrated far beyond India's borders, with Indian diplomatic missions coordinating programmes at nearly 2,500 venues worldwide. Events are taking place in community centres, public parks, cultural institutions and landmark locations across continents. The large-scale participation highlights yoga’s transformation into a global wellness movement embraced by people from diverse backgrounds. Organisers say the celebrations aim to promote harmony, mindfulness and healthy living through a shared practice.

Kolkata has emerged as the centre of this year's Yoga Day celebrations, with large crowds joining events across the city. In addition to the main programme at Red Road, multiple yoga-related activities have been organised at various locations. The city witnessed a festive atmosphere ahead of the event, including yoga-themed public activities and cultural programmes. Officials expect participation numbers to remain high throughout the day as residents continue to join community yoga sessions across different parts of the city.

This year's theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, places emphasis on maintaining physical strength, mental resilience and emotional well-being throughout life. Health experts and yoga practitioners participating in the celebrations have highlighted yoga’s role in improving flexibility, balance, stress management and overall quality of life. The theme also encourages people to adopt preventive healthcare habits and focus on long-term wellness rather than waiting for health issues to emerge.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead the main International Yoga Day programme from Kolkata’s Red Road, one of the largest events being held in the country. Thousands of participants have assembled at the venue to perform the Common Yoga Protocol alongside the Prime Minister. The programme is focused on promoting healthy ageing through yoga and encouraging people to incorporate the ancient practice into their everyday lives. Security and logistical arrangements have been put in place to manage the large gathering.

International Yoga Day celebrations started early Sunday morning across several states as people gathered in parks, stadiums, schools and public spaces to participate in mass yoga sessions. From major cities to small towns, thousands of participants rolled out yoga mats before sunrise to mark the occasion. This year’s celebrations have drawn significant enthusiasm, with organisers reporting strong participation from students, professionals, senior citizens and fitness enthusiasts. The nationwide observance reflects yoga's growing popularity as a daily wellness practice.