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International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 main celebration will be held in Kolkata, West Bengal on 21 June, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav announced on May 27. The theme this year is ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, highlighting the role of Yoga in promoting physical health, mental well-being and healthy ageing.

The announcement was made during Yoga Mahotsav 2026 organised at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho, marking the commencement of the 25-day countdown to IDY 2026. Thousands participated in the vent, organised by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayushin the mass demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol.

On the occasion, he relaunched the Yoga Sangam Portal to facilitate online registrations and strengthen public participation for IDY 2026, and launched the Yoga Park Portal to support the development of dedicated yoga spaces across states and institutions. He also unveiled a newly designed Yoga T-shirt promoting the message of yoga, health and wellness, and informed that over two lakh individuals have participated in the 100-day free Yoga training programme under the Yoga 365 Campaign, receiving Yog Mitra certification.

Prataprao Jadhav said that Kolkata is steeped in India’s traditional heritage and spiritual consciousness. The theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ reflects the growing importance of Yoga in promoting holistic well-being in advancing age. The Minister emphasised that Yoga represents India’s ancient wisdom and plays a vital role in preventive healthcare and balanced living.

Noting that Khajuraho, with its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, represents the harmony between India’s ancient traditions and wellness practices he stated that the city had the potential to emerge as a global centre for Yoga and wellness. He emphasised Yoga should become a part of daily life and said the Ministry of Ayush was working to take Yoga to every village, household, school, office and community through sustained outreach and public participation. Highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare, Jadhav noted that Yoga and initiatives such as Ayush Aahar promote balanced nutrition, disciplined living and overall well-being.

Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said yoga offers a simple, sustainable path to holistic health in today’s stressful lifes. She urged citizens to become ‘Yoga Mitras’ and appealed for participation in the Guinness World Record attempt on 14 June 2026 to unite the world through yoga.

Vishnu Datt Sharma, Member of Parliament, Khajuraho Lok Sabha Constituency, stated that Yoga has emerged as a global movement for health and wellness and is now practised in nearly 190 countries worldwide.

Developed by the Ministry of Ayush, the Common Yoga Protocol is a standardised sequence of Yoga practices aimed at promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being for people of all age groups.

The event marked another important milestone in the nationwide build-up to International Day of Yoga 2026 and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment towards promoting holistic health and wellness through Yoga.

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