PM Modi Leads 12th International Day of Yoga Celebrations in Kolkata, Calls Yoga a Path to Healthy Ageing and Global Peace
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Yoga practitioners, students, volunteers and members of the public, while lakhs of people across India and around the world joined the celebrations through community
Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs Yoga along with thousands of participants during the national celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga at Kolkata's historic Red Road on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Photos by PIB
Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at Kolkata’s iconic Red Road on Saturday, joining thousands of participants in performing the Common Yoga Protocol under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Yoga practitioners, students, volunteers and members of the public, while lakhs of people across India and around the world joined the celebrations through community events, Yoga sessions and virtual platforms.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi extended greetings to people across the globe on the occasion and highlighted Yoga’s growing role as a unifying force transcending geographical, cultural and social boundaries.
“Yoga has the unique power to connect people, societies and nations,” the Prime Minister said, noting that June 21 has evolved into one of the world’s largest collective celebrations, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds through a shared commitment to health and well-being.
Kolkata Hosts National Celebration
The Prime Minister said hosting the national event in West Bengal was particularly significant given the state’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. He recalled the contributions of great thinkers and spiritual leaders associated with Bengal, including Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo, who helped spread the message of Yoga and holistic well-being across the world.
“The land of Bengal has long nurtured traditions that emphasize the unity of mind, body and spirit,” he said, adding that the collective Yoga session at Red Road reflected this enduring legacy.
Yoga for Healthy Ageing
Focusing on this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Yoga is far more than a physical exercise routine.
“Yoga helps us remain healthy, active and energetic as we age,” he said, describing Yoga as a comprehensive lifestyle approach that strengthens physical fitness, mental balance and emotional resilience at every stage of life.
Referring to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, he highlighted the importance of balance in habits, actions and daily living. He noted that many modern lifestyle disorders stem from imbalance, and Yoga offers a practical pathway towards harmony, discipline and inner peace.
Beyond Personal Wellness
The Prime Minister stressed that the benefits of Yoga extend beyond individual well-being.
“Yoga is not just for personal well-being; it is also a pathway to global peace,” he said.
According to him, Yoga fosters self-awareness, reduces stress and promotes emotional stability, while also encouraging understanding, cooperation and harmony among communities and nations.
Calling upon citizens to adopt Yoga as a daily practice, he urged people not to restrict Yoga to an annual observance.
“Let us not limit Yoga to a single day; let us make it a part of everyday life,” he said.
Yoga 365 Gains Momentum
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the success of the “Yoga 365” initiative and the 100-day online Yoga programme launched this year. He noted that the programme attracted participation from over 30 lakh people across 130 countries, reflecting Yoga’s growing global acceptance.
He expressed confidence that wider adoption of Yoga would contribute to building a healthier, stronger and more self-reliant society.
Concluding his address, he invoked the ancient prayer:
“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” — May all be happy and free from disease.
West Bengal Sees Massive Participation
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the Prime Minister and thanked the Centre for selecting Kolkata as the venue for the national celebration.
He said Yoga activities had generated unprecedented enthusiasm across the state, with citizens participating from Darjeeling to Digha and from Cooch Behar to Kolkata.
“The response reflects the growing acceptance of Yoga as a way of life,” he said.
The Chief Minister also recalled the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and other spiritual leaders who promoted Yoga as a means of developing the mind, body and character.
Global Reach of Yoga
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said Yoga has evolved into a truly global movement under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
He noted that since the United Nations adopted the International Day of Yoga resolution in 2014, Yoga is now celebrated in more than 180 countries.
Highlighting the Ministry’s “Yoga 365” initiative, he said the programme seeks to encourage citizens to integrate Yoga into their daily lives throughout the year.
Record Participation Worldwide
This year’s International Day of Yoga has witnessed unprecedented participation. Registrations on the Yoga Sangam Portal have crossed six lakh organizations, reflecting strong support from institutions, communities and citizens.
Globally, more than 210 Indian Missions are organizing Yoga events across nearly 2,500 locations worldwide through the coordinated efforts of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Adding a cultural dimension to the celebrations, the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is organizing special Yoga sessions at 100 iconic heritage locations across the country, linking India’s rich civilizational heritage with its ancient wellness traditions.
The large-scale participation both in India and abroad underscores Yoga’s emergence as one of India’s most successful global cultural and wellness initiatives, promoting health, harmony and holistic living across the world.
