India celebrated the International Yoga Day with large-scale events across the country on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu led the 12th edition of the global observance. The nationwide celebrations centered on this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” emphasizing yoga’s contribution to physical fitness, mental well-being, emotional resilience, and active ageing.
The flagship event was held at Kolkata’s iconic Red Road, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed thousands of participants performing yoga together. At the same time, President Droupadi Murmu participated in the State-level celebrations in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, joining citizens in performing yoga asanas as part of the nationwide campaign. The widespread participation once again reinforced India’s leadership in promoting International Yoga Day as a global wellness movement.
International Yoga Day 2026 focuses on healthy ageing
This year’s International Yoga Day adopted the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” reflecting growing global interest in preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles. The initiative highlights how regular yoga practice can improve flexibility, strengthen the body, reduce stress, enhance emotional resilience, and support people in maintaining an active and independent life as they age.
Health experts have increasingly recognized yoga as an effective complementary practice for improving cardiovascular health, balance, posture, breathing capacity, and mental wellness. While yoga is not a substitute for medical treatment, specialists widely acknowledge that consistent practice, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can contribute significantly to long-term well-being and quality of life.
PM Narendra Modi highlights yoga’s global influence
Addressing participants at the Kolkata event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described June 21 as the longest day of the year in many parts of the world and said the occasion had evolved into one of the world’s largest community celebrations because of yoga. He emphasized that yoga serves as a unifying force that transcends national boundaries, cultures, and generations.
The Prime Minister further explained that yoga extends beyond physical exercise, describing it as an expression of the human spirit that promotes harmony between the body and mind. He indicated that yoga is suitable for individuals of every age group and continues to inspire millions across the globe to adopt healthier lifestyles. His remarks reflected India’s continued efforts to promote International Yoga Day as an inclusive global movement rather than merely a national observance.
President Droupadi Murmu joins celebrations in Madhya Pradesh
President Droupadi Murmu participated in the State-level International Yoga Day programme in Jabalpur, where she performed yoga asanas alongside participants from different age groups. Her presence underscored the importance of integrating yoga into everyday life as part of a broader commitment to preventive healthcare and overall wellness.
Events were simultaneously organized across States and Union Territories, with schools, universities, government institutions, armed forces personnel, healthcare organizations, and community groups taking part in mass yoga sessions. Public parks, educational institutions, stadiums, and cultural venues witnessed thousands of participants performing guided yoga routines in support of the Yoga Healthy Ageing theme.
Experts say yoga supports preventive healthcare
Medical professionals and wellness experts have consistently pointed to scientific evidence suggesting that yoga offers multiple physical and psychological benefits when practiced regularly under proper guidance. Researchers have found that yoga may help improve flexibility, muscular strength, balance, respiratory efficiency, and stress management while supporting mental health through mindfulness and controlled breathing.
Experts also note that as populations worldwide continue to age, preventive healthcare measures such as yoga, physical activity, balanced nutrition, and regular medical check-ups are becoming increasingly important. They caution, however, that individuals with existing health conditions should consult qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any new exercise routine.
International Yoga Day continues expanding worldwide
Since the United Nations adopted June 21 as the International Yoga Day, participation has expanded across continents, with governments, international organizations, educational institutions, and wellness communities organizing large-scale events every year. The annual observance has evolved into one of the world’s most widely celebrated wellness initiatives, bringing together millions of participants through community yoga sessions and awareness campaigns.
This year’s focus on Yoga Healthy Ageing reflects growing recognition that maintaining physical fitness, emotional resilience, and mental well-being is essential throughout every stage of life. As India marked another successful edition of International Yoga Day, leaders emphasized that yoga remains a universal practice capable of promoting healthier communities and encouraging people worldwide to embrace lifelong wellness.