The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2026, with nationwide events focused on promoting holistic health, wellness, and preventive healthcare through yoga practice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations in Kolkata, addressing thousands of yoga enthusiasts and emphasizing that yoga is "more than a physical exercise; it is a source of consciousness, vitality and inner energy" that enriches human life as part of India's cultural and spiritual heritage.
The celebrations followed this year's theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," which the Prime Minister described as a guiding principle for building a society that remains healthy, active, and energetic throughout life. He noted that healthy ageing involves adding vitality, purpose, and well-being to years rather than merely extending lifespan. Modi specifically stated that yoga enables individuals to "be more flexible at 40, more energetic at 50 and more resilient at 70," providing the discipline, strength, and balance required to achieve these goals through physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda participated in mass yoga sessions at Shantipath, New Delhi, joining citizens, healthcare professionals, officials, and volunteers. Nadda highlighted that yoga has emerged as a global movement for health and well-being due to Prime Minister Modi's leadership, recalling that Modi's September 27, 2014, UN General Assembly address led to the UN declaring June 21 as International Day of Yoga in December 2014. Nearly 190 countries now participate in the celebrations, making it one of the most widely observed global initiatives.
The Ministry organized a special yoga session at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi, led by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, with officers and staff members participating. Srivastava reiterated that yoga serves all age groups and has emerged as an important pillar of preventive healthcare and healthy living. The celebrations achieved extensive reach through more than 1.87 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country, enabling millions of citizens to participate in yoga sessions and wellness activities.