PM Modi to Lead International Yoga Day from Kolkata
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga from Kolkata’s historic Red Road on June 21, as India prepares for one of the largest global wellness events, the Ministry of Ayush announced on Monday.
Unveiling the roadmap for International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav said this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, reflects the growing global need to ensure longer lives are also healthier, more active and independent.
The Minister also announced a major milestone achieved in the run-up to IDY 2026. Referring to the special nationwide live yoga session organised on June 14, Jadhav stated that more than four lakh participants joined simultaneously, creating a new Guinness World Record.
The celebrations will also include yoga programmes at 100 iconic heritage sites across the country, an initiative aimed at linking wellness with India’s cultural legacy. The Ministry of Culture will coordinate these events.
Officials said Kolkata will host a series of events leading up to Yoga Day, including “Doud se Dhyan” on June 19 to promote physical fitness and mental well-being, and “Vande Yogam” programmes on June 20 showcasing the intersection of yoga, patriotism and cultural heritage.
The ministry is also conducting the “Gangotri to Gangasagar: Ganga Tat Yoga Yatra” from June 13 to 20, covering key locations along the Ganga to connect yoga with environmental awareness and community participation.
