PM Modi leads 12th International Yoga Day event in Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the entire nation and the world appeared united on International Yoga Day, describing yoga as a force that connects people and brings humanity together. He extended greetings to people across the globe participating in the celebrations.Speaking in Kolkata, Modi said yoga teaches people to remain lifelong learners of their own body and mind, stressing that its benefits extend to all age groups. Highlighting this year's theme of healthy ageing, he said it should not be viewed as relevant only to senior citizens. "Yoga for healthy ageing, this theme must be seen for people of all ages, not just for the elderly," the Prime Minister said.Modi said, "In India, from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, from the Northeast and Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west, the entire country seems to be filled with the energy of yoga." 

VIDEO | West Bengal: PM Narendra Modi leads the International Yoga Day 2026 celebrations from Kolkata.

He says, "June 21, in some parts of the Earth marks the longest day, and because of International Yoga Day, this day has also become the day of the world's largest collective… pic.twitter.com/3RdwVxDiDT

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 21, 2026

International Yoga Day 2026 (IDY 2026) is being celebrated across the globe on Sunday, June 21. This year marks the 12th International Day of Yoga with the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, which highlights the importance of adopting Yoga as a lifelong practice for healthy, active and dignified ageing. The Ministry of Culture  organised special Yoga celebrations across 100 iconic locations in the country, connecting India’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks and Yoga traditions. As part of this initiative, major celebrations held at twelve prominent locations, including Red Fort in New Delhi, Haridwar in Uttarakhand, Konark in Odisha, Hampi in Karnataka, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, Mumbai in Maharashtra, Nalanda in Bihar, Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, Leh in Ladakh, Hyderabad in Telangana and Silchar in Assam.

#WATCH | West Bengal | Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs Yoga on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga in Kolkata.

The theme for this year's Yoga Day is 'Yoga For Healthy Ageing'

(Video Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/uenZKDPetf

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026

In coordination with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, more than 210 Indian Missions abroad will organise  Yoga events at nearly 2,500 locations across the world. Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar Performs Yoga At Nehru Park In Delhi.

#WATCH | Delhi: EAM Dr S Jaishankar performs Yoga at Nehru Park on the 12th annual International Day of Yoga.

Ambassador of Norway to India, May-Elin Stener, also participates in the event. pic.twitter.com/krb7nJ9ec6

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026

Indo-Tibetan Border Police Mark Yoga Day At Pangong Tso in Leh, Ladakh. 47 battalion of the force celebrate the  Internation Day of Yoga by practicing on the banks of Pangong Tso.

#WATCH | Leh, Ladakh | 47th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police celebrate the 12th annual Internation Day of Yoga by practicing on the banks of Pangong Tso.

(Source: ITBP) pic.twitter.com/Dvft56YqeG

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026

In USA, Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer has issued a proclamation in recognition of the International Day of Yoga in the state and urged residents to explore the practice for a healthier lifestyle. In a proclamation, Meyer said yoga is a 5,000-year-old ancient practice from India that integrates the mind, body, and spirit to enhance overall health and well-being. He said the practice of yoga fosters physical strength, flexibility, mental clarity, and emotional balance, offering valuable tools for managing stress and improving community health.