International Day of Yoga 2026 Achieves Record Global Participation
The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 witnessed unprecedented participation across India and globally under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. The Ministry of Ayush reported that the Yoga Sangam Portal recorded participation of over 3.07 crore individuals across 36 States and Union Territories covering 780 districts. More than 7.64 lakh organizations registered worldwide, including 4.24 lakh government institutions and 2.46 lakh educational institutions, with West Bengal leading at 3.45 lakh organizations, followed by Rajasthan (1.67 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (35,742), Assam (25,285), and Uttar Pradesh (22,285).
The portal received over 7.46 lakh images from yoga events and generated more than 2.66 lakh participation certificates. The main celebration occurred at Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal, with 35,000 participants, while President Droupadi Murmu participated in Jabalpur, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan in Leh, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla led a session with MPs at Parliament House.
Notable achievements included a Guinness World Record for the most viewers on a YouTube Live yoga stream with 4,35,831 viewers on June 14, 2026. The Ministry also secured Asia Book of Records for the largest gathering performing Trikonasana (5,000 participants in Buldhana) and largest synchronized Bhujangasana performance (6,000 participants at Kanha Shanti Vanam).
The 'Gangotri to Gangasagar' campaign covered 2,525 kilometers along the Ganga river with yoga sessions at iconic ghats. Defence forces conducted sessions from Siachen Glacier to naval platforms, with the NCC organizing 8.30 lakh cadets across 5,000 locations. Multiple ministries participated including Defence, Civil Aviation, Housing and Urban Affairs, Jal Shakti, and Social Justice & Empowerment, which organized 'Vayo Yoga Sangam' for 1,300 senior citizens in Delhi.