Ayush Ministry invites citizens for International Day of Yoga celebrations (Lead)
New Delhi, June 20
The Ministry of Ayush has called on citizens across India to join the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations on June 21 in large numbers to be part of "historic celebration of health, harmony and the country's timeless yoga tradition," an official statement said on Saturday.
The ministry said that celebrations will be held across 23 States and Union Territories, with special events organised at prominent public locations in Delhi.
People can participate in yoga sessions at designated venues across the National Capital Region, including major parks, sports complexes, heritage sites and community spaces, it said.
The Ministry of Ayush called upon citizens, organisations, institutions and communities to reach their nearest yoga venue on time and practise the Common Yoga Protocol together.
"The main event will be held at the historic Red Road in Kolkata under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On this occasion, the entire nation will come together to practise the Common Yoga Protocol and share India's message of yoga with the world," said Union MoS Ayush Ministry Prataprao Jadhav.
The Ministry of Culture is also organising special IDY 2026 celebrations at 100 iconic locations across the country, bringing together India's rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks and the timeless tradition of yoga.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is organising IDY 2026 celebrations at 100 iconic locations across India, highlighting the unique connection between India's rich civilisational heritage, historic monuments and the ancient tradition of yoga.
"Citizens are encouraged to arrive early, participate with enthusiasm and become part of this historic celebration that reflects the spirit of Jan Bhagidari and India's commitment towards taking yoga's message of health, harmony and well-being to the world," the ministry noted.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but honestly, the Common Yoga Protocol is too basic for regular practitioners. I've been doing yoga for 15 years and the government protocol feels like a generic warm-up. For newcomers it's fine, but they should offer advanced sessions too. Still, glad to see yoga getting this much attention internationally.
मुझे ख़ुशी है कि 100 ऐतिहासिक जगहों पर योग होगा! ताजमहल जैसे स्थानों पर योग करने का अलग ही अनुभव होता है। पर सरकार को यह भी देखना चाहिए कि छोटे शहरों तक यह पहुंचे, न कि सिर्फ दिल्ली-कोलकाता में। वैसे योग हमारी पहचान है, गर्व की बात है 🙏
As someone who discovered yoga while traveling in India, this is fantastic! The world needs more of this ancient wisdom. I'll be joining a session in my city in the UK. India's soft power through yoga is unmatched. Kudos to the Ayush Ministry for organizing this at so many locations.
Great to see Jan Bhagidari in action. But I wish they'd also focus on making yoga accessible for differently-abled people. Many parks and venues aren't wheelchair-friendly. Also, morning timing suits only early risers—what about working professionals who can't make it by 6 AM? Just saying, inclusion should be real, not just symbolic.
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