Gujarat begins 100 day countdown to International Yoga Day 2026

The western state of Gujarat on Friday launched the 100-day countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga, with a curtain-raiser event held at the New MLA Residence Complex in Gandhinagar.The programme marked the start of a statewide campaign led by the Gujarat State Yoga Board to promote yoga ahead of June 21, when the global observance will be celebrated across countries.
The initiative was launched under the motto “Ek Kadam Yogamaya Vidhan Sabha” in the presence of several state legislators. The inauguration ceremony, held at 6 a.m., was led by Sheeshpal Rajput, Chairman of the Gujarat State Yoga Board, and signalled the beginning of an outreach campaign aimed at expanding yoga participation across both urban and rural regions of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajput highlighted the global recognition of yoga and credited India’s leadership for taking the ancient practice to the international stage.“Yoga is a gift to the world from India. Due to the efforts of Narendra Modi, June 21 is celebrated as International Yoga Day. It is a proud moment for Indians,” he said.Rajput added that the state yoga board is actively working to strengthen yoga promotion through around five lakh yoga trainers and 500 free yoga classes currently operating across Gujarat.
He said the launch of the 100-day countdown marks the beginning of extensive preparations leading up to the annual event. “Our aim is that in the coming 100 days, yoga reaches every corner of the state. Every city and village should organise yoga classes, and youths should also get employment opportunities through these initiatives,” he said, adding that such efforts could also contribute to improving public health and economic activity.

#WATCH | Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Sheeshpal Rajput, Chairman, Yoga Board, Gujarat, says, "Yoga is a gift from India's culture to the world. International Yoga Day is celebrated through the Prime Minister's initiatives... Today, the MLAs inaugurated this program..." https://t.co/NEFSey6BsO pic.twitter.com/7NjI3X5Sjr

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026

The concept of observing International Yoga Day was first proposed by Prime Minister Modi at the United Nations, after which member countries adopted the resolution declaring June 21 as the global day to celebrate yoga. Since then, the day has been observed worldwide each year.As part of preparations for the 2026 celebrations, the Gujarat State Yoga Board plans to organise yoga camps across districts and several taluka centres during the 100-day campaign. The initiative aims to connect more people with the traditional Indian practice while creating a yoga-friendly environment across the state ahead of the global observance.Officials said the campaign is also intended to encourage mass participation and support the broader vision of making Gujarat one of the healthiest states in the country.

(State Correspondent)