PM Modi to lead International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations in Kolkata on June 21

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.

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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.

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.

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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.