Gujarat marks 12th International Yoga Day with statewide events

The 12th International Yoga Day was celebrated with a grand state-level programme at Mansa in Gandhinagar, where Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called upon citizens to make yoga a part of their daily lifestyle and use it as a strength for nation building.Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said yoga should not remain limited to a one-day celebration but should become an integral part of everyday life. He urged people to adopt yoga to achieve the vision of ‘Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat @2047’.

VIDEO | Mansa: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel addresses the International Yoga Day 2026 celebrations.

This year's theme for the International Day of Yoga is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", highlighting its role in promoting physical health, mental well-being, emotional… pic.twitter.com/BFFp2xxUkL

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

More than 1.25 crore children, youth and senior citizens participated in mass yoga sessions held simultaneously at over 330 locations across Gujarat.The Chief Minister extended greetings to citizens on International Yoga Day and highlighted that India’s ancient yoga tradition has received global recognition through the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the 12th International Yoga Day holds special significance as it coincides with the completion of 12 years of the Prime Minister’s good governance.
He said initiatives such as Fit India and International Yoga Day have helped establish yoga as an important medium of preventive healthcare. He also highlighted initiatives including Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Catch the Rain, promotion of solar energy, clean energy, natural farming and Mission LiFE as steps towards a balanced and sustainable lifestyle.
Emphasising the importance of yoga in modern times, the Chief Minister said that in an era of increasing stress, yoga provides a simple and effective way to maintain physical and mental well-being. He added that this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Aging’, focuses on promoting healthier lives through regular practice.

#WATCH | Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performs Yoga on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga in Mansa.

The theme for this year's Yoga Day is 'Yoga For Healthy Ageing' pic.twitter.com/Azl5VCjJej

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026

The Chief Minister said Gujarat has emerged as a leader in the field of yoga. Through the Gujarat State Yoga Board, 1.5 lakh yoga trainers have been prepared, making Gujarat the state with the highest number of trained yoga instructors in the country. Over 8 lakh people have been connected with yoga in one year through more than 5,000 free yoga centres across the state.Highlighting another initiative, the Chief Minister said Rajkot will become the country’s unique ‘15-Minute Yoga City’. Under the concept adopted by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation through a special MoU with the Yoga Board, residents will have access to a yoga centre within 15 minutes from any location in the city.

He said yoga should go beyond personal health benefits and become a force for building a stronger nation. He called upon citizens to contribute towards achieving the vision of a developed Gujarat and a developed India by 2047.Chairman of the State Yoga Board Shishpal Rajput welcomed participants and explained the significance of making yoga a part of life throughout the year. He described yoga as a valuable contribution of India’s ancient Rishi tradition and led participants through the Common Yoga Protocol.
During the programme, attendees also watched the live telecast of the International Yoga Day event held in West Bengal in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The event was attended by Gandhinagar District Panchayat President Rajesh Patel, MLAs Jayanti Patel and Prakash Varmora, Mansa Municipality President Jyotsna Vaghela, Taluka Panchayat President Bharatsinh Rathod, Sarvodaya Education Trust Trustee Dr V N Shah, District Collector Ravindra Khatale, District Development Officer Hasrat Jasmine, along with yoga coaches, trainers and practitioners.

(State Correspondent)