Kolkata to Host International Day of Yoga 2026 Main Event; Theme Announced as “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”

• Thousands Participate in Common Yoga Protocol at Khajuraho During 25-Day Countdown to IDY 2026
• Yoga Sangam Portal, Yoga Park Portal and New Yoga T-Shirt Unveiled
• “Khajuraho Has the Potential to Become a Global Centre for Yoga and Wellness”: Shri Prataprao Jadhav
• “Yoga and Khajuraho are Integral Symbols of India’s Cultural Heritage”: CM Dr. Mohan Yadav

The main celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 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 Shri Prataprao Jadhav announced today. He further informed that the theme for this year’s observance 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. The event, organised by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush, witnessed participation of thousands of yoga enthusiasts in the mass demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Prataprao Jadhav said that Kolkata, steeped in India’s traditional heritage and spiritual consciousness, will host the main celebration of IDY 2026. He noted that 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.

Shri Jadhav also noted 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 has the potential to emerge as a global centre for Yoga and wellness.

The Minister emphasised that Yoga should become a part of daily life and said the Ministry of Ayush, under the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is continuously working to take Yoga to every village, household, school, office and community through sustained outreach and public participation. Highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare, Shri Jadhav noted that Yoga and initiatives such as Ayush Aahar promote balanced nutrition, disciplined living and overall well-being.

On the occasion, the Union Minister 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.

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav joined the programme virtually and stated in his video message that Yoga and Khajuraho are integral symbols of India’s cultural heritage. He noted that the younger generation is increasingly embracing Yoga as part of daily life, contributing towards a healthier and more aware society.

Shri Inder Singh Parmar, Cabinet Minister of Higher Education, Technical and, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, said that Yoga and Ayurveda are not merely practices but a way of life rooted in India’s rich traditions. He emphasised that education and Yoga together can contribute towards building a healthier society.

Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism and Religious Trust & Endowment, Government of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted that the programme reflected India’s cultural consciousness and civilisational values while promoting holistic wellness among the masses.

Shri Vishnu Datt Sharma, Member of Parliament, Khajuraho Lok Sabha Constituency, stated that Yoga has emerged as a global movement for health and wellness under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and is now practised in nearly 190 countries worldwide.

Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said yoga offers a simple, sustainable path to holistic health in today’s stressful lifestyle. 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.

The event was graced by dignitaries including MLA Rajnagar Vidhan Shaba Sh. Arvind Pateriya; MLA Bijawar Shri Rajesh Shukla; MLA Chhatarpur Smt. Lalita Yadav; Principal Secretary of Ayush, Madhya Pradesh Shri Shobhit Jain; District Magistrate and Collector, Chhatarpur Shri Parth Jaiswal (IAS); Superintendent of Police, Chhatarpur Shri Rajat Saklecha IPS, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and the State Government.

A major highlight of the programme was the large-scale demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol led by Prof. (Dr.) Kashinath Samagandi, Director, MDNIY, along with Yoga instructors from MDNIY. Thousands of Yoga enthusiasts from across the region participated in the mass demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), reflecting the growing nationwide movement towards Yoga-based wellness and preventive healthcare.

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.