Khajuraho to Host 25-Day Countdown Event for International Day of Yoga 2026
Ministry of Ayush to organise Yoga Mahotsav at UNESCO World Heritage site amid nationwide outreach campaign
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav addresses a press conference ahead of the event in Khajuraho on Monday.
Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh): The Ministry of Ayush will organise “Yoga Mahotsav – 25-Day Countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026” at the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho on Wednesday, as part of nationwide preparations for the 12th International Day of Yoga.
The event is being organised by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Ministry of Ayush and is expected to bring together yoga practitioners, students, officials and wellness enthusiasts from across the country for a mass performance of the Common Yoga Protocol.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the event, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said the programme marks an important milestone in the nationwide preparations for IDY 2026 and reflects the government’s commitment to expanding the reach of yoga across the country.
He said the Ministry of Ayush is conducting a 100-day nationwide countdown campaign in collaboration with 100 institutions across 100 locations to strengthen awareness and encourage wider public participation ahead of International Day of Yoga 2026.
Highlighting the significance of the venue, Prataprao Jadhav said Khajuraho symbolises the harmony between India’s cultural heritage and modern wellness traditions.
“Yoga is a priceless gift of India’s ancient wisdom tradition, which has shown the world the path of a balanced, holistic and healthy lifestyle. Khajuraho stands as a living symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage, and organising a 25-day Yoga Festival at such a historic site beautifully reflects the harmony between Indian tradition and modern wellness,” he said.
The minister noted that yoga has evolved into a global movement for holistic health following the United Nations’ adoption of the International Day of Yoga in 2014 after the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also said that under the “Yoga 365 Days” initiative, MDNIY, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush and Habuild, is conducting a 100-day free yoga training campaign till June 21, with more than two lakh participants already registered as “Yoga Mitras”.
The programme at Khajuraho will begin at 6 am and will be attended by Madhya Pradesh Ayush Minister Inder Singh Parmar, senior officials of the Ministry of Ayush, yoga experts, representatives of Ayush systems and modern medicine, and yoga practitioners from different states.
Ayush Aahara will also be distributed among participants during the event.
Known globally for its temple architecture and tranquil surroundings, Khajuraho has been chosen as the venue to strengthen public engagement and build momentum for International Day of Yoga 2026 through a blend of heritage, wellness and community participation.
