Global Participation in International Yoga Day 2026
Tens of thousands of yoga enthusiasts across the world marked the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2026, as Indian missions abroad organized events to highlight the ancient practice's role in fostering health and well-being. The theme for this year's event was 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
International Day of Yoga has been celebrated globally on June 21 every year since its adoption by the United Nations in 2014. The day aims to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga for physical and mental health.
Major Events in Asia
In China, around 400 people, including diplomats, academics, yoga practitioners, and members of the Indian diaspora, participated in celebrations organized 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. Mathur said that yoga transcends national boundaries and continues to inspire millions globally to embrace healthier and more balanced lifestyles. The programme featured a guided meditation session, a Manipuri dance performance, an Indian classical music recital, and a demonstration on the benefits of yoga.
In Japan, more than 2,100 yoga enthusiasts joined celebrations organized by the Indian Embassy at the historic Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple in Tokyo. 'Despite the rain, with the motto 'Yoga together, rain or shine!', the venue was filled with energy and smiles,' the Indian Embassy in Tokyo said in a post on X.
In neighbouring Bangladesh, the High Commission of India in Bangladesh brought together participants of all ages to celebrate the occasion. 'Their enthusiastic participation reflected the spirit of this year's theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', and underscored yoga's relevance across every stage of life,' the High Commission said.
Over 1,100 yoga enthusiasts came together for yoga day celebrations organized by the High Commission of India and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur. 'Honoured to have YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami as Chief Guest, who delivered an inspiring address on Yoga's role in building a healthier, more productive society,' the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur, posted on X.
Events in Australia and New Zealand
In Australia, a large number of people gathered at Old Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate IDY under the guidance of Yoga Australia CEO Josh Pryor. The one-hour yoga session led by Pryor offered a rare moment of calm and mindfulness, said the High Commission of India in Canberra in a post on X. 'A wonderful reminder that yoga is not just exercise—it is a way of life that nurtures both body and mind,' it added.
In New Zealand, people from the Kiwi, Indian, and other ethnic communities came together to celebrate the IDY at the premises of the High Commission of India. 'Celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm in collaboration with Heartfulness and Art of Living Foundation NZ at the HCI premises,' the Indian mission posted on X.
European Celebrations
The Embassy of India in Helsinki organized a special yoga session at the iconic Oodi Library, located opposite the Finland Parliament House. The event brought together diplomats, Finnish officials, and members of the Indian diaspora.
In London, a special programme at the Strand brought together diverse yoga traditions. 'The celebration featured demonstrations and sessions by Anahat Yoga, Chi Kri Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, SRMD Yoga, @ArtofLiving, @heartfulness UK, @ishafoundation and @BrahmaKumaris. Together, they reflected the richness, diversity and inclusivity of yoga traditions, illustrating how this ancient practice continues to inspire and transform lives across the world,' High Commission of India in London posted on X.
Yoga enthusiasts gathered at the iconic Arco della Pace in Milan, Italy, to celebrate the IDY, the Consulate General of India in Milan said in a post on X.
Events in the Americas
In the US, hundreds of participants gathered at the iconic Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC for a yoga session organized by the Embassy of India on June 20, a day before the official IDY. 'The Embassy of India marked #IDY2026 in Washington DC under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' - a reminder that yoga is for everyone, at every stage of life,' the Indian mission said in a post on X. The Indian Embassy in Washington also hosted a series of events at venues including Dupont Circle and the World Bank with local communities, besides setting up an Ayurveda corner showcasing traditional wellness practices.
In Canada, the Consulate General of India in Toronto marked the International Day of Yoga with a large gathering against the backdrop of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on June 20. Around 800 participants, including government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, yoga practitioners, wellness organizations, and community leaders, took part in the celebrations, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said in a social media post.
Events in the Middle East and Other Regions
In Saudi Arabia, nearly 500 participants, including government officials, diplomats, school children, and Indian community members, attended an International Day of Yoga event in Riyadh on June 20.
In Nepal, the Embassy of India, in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust, organized a yoga demonstration near the Eternal Peace Flame and the Maya Devi Temple in the Lumbini Sanskritik area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on June 20.
Indian missions in several other countries, including Slovenia, Romania, Indonesia, Oman, UAE, and Kazakhstan, also organized yoga sessions and events to mark the occasion.
