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Yoga Mahotsav 2026 to mark the 100-day countdown to the 12th edition of the International Day of Yoga (IDY 2026) was inaugurated by Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, on March 13 in New Delhi. On the occasion, he launched “10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups,” designed for individuals across different age groups and health conditions.

The day began with a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at 7 a.m. at the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, attended by over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts. The CYP included a series of yogasanas, pranayama, and meditation practices that contribute to improved flexibility, strength, balance, and inner harmony.

The programme featured three thematic technical sessions:
• Yoga for the Geriatric Population
• Business Module for Yoga Entrepreneurship
• Yoga and Artificial Intelligence

The Ministry of Ayush, the nodal ministry for the International Day of Yoga, has successfully organised eleven editions of the global event with steadily growing participation worldwide. Yoga Mahotsav 2026 aims to promote the diverse dimensions of yoga and inspire a global movement for health, well-being, and peace.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the International Day of Yoga has evolved into a global celebration of wellness. Yoga, he noted, is not merely a lifestyle practice but a powerful discipline that promotes mental clarity, physical health, and emotional balance. It has helped millions maintain resilience and well-being, even during challenging periods such as the pandemic.

He added that the newly launched protocols are designed for people across different age groups and life stages, enabling them to take greater responsibility for their health, enhance physical and mental resilience, and improve their overall quality of life. He highlighted the nation’s vision of preventive and holistic healthcare, noting that yoga and Ayurveda are key pillars of this approach.

The Minister also launched the “Yoga for Air Travel” protocol, a specially designed five-minute routine of seated yogic practices, breathing exercises, and brief meditation. Developed by experts, the protocol aims to reduce travel-related stress, improve circulation, ease muscular discomfort, and promote mental calmness during air journeys.

On the occasion, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga exchanged an MoU with Habuild under the Yoga 365 campaign to offer free daily online yoga sessions.

Highlighting the initiative, the Minister said, “Yoga 365 aims to help individuals adopt yoga as a daily habit, encourage consistent practice, and deepen engagement in the run-up to IDY 2026.”

During the programme, Saurabh Bothra shared a toll-free number (1800-315-7008) with participants to facilitate online registration for the Yoga 365 campaign.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, highlighted several digital initiatives aimed at expanding access to yoga. He said the ministry, through the Ayush Grid, has developed an AI-based tool to guide yoga practitioners in correcting their postures while performing asanas.

To make yoga more accessible, courses such as the Advanced Y-Break have been made available on Karmayogi Bharat, where more than 10 lakh participants have already enrolled.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said, “Yoga is one of the greatest gifts of India to the world. It represents a holistic philosophy that harmonises the mind, body, and spirit.”

The Director of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga proposed the vote of thanks.

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