From floating yoga to mega sessions, preparations in full swing across country for International Yoga day
New Delhi, June 20
Preparations for the International Day of Yoga 2026 have reached a fever pitch across the country, with massive countdown events and unique practice sessions being organised to mark the global celebration.
Thousands of yoga enthusiasts, practitioners, and citizens are joining hands across various states to set an energetic tone for the main event on June 21 (Sunday).
2026 marks the 12th year of International Yoga Day, according to the United Nations. This year's theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", emphasises that Yoga is for all age groups and can be a valuable practice for healthy ageing, helping people stay active, independent, and engaged.
In Telangana, a massive "24-Hour Countdown Event" was organised at the Parade Grounds in Hyderabad under the leadership of the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, where Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Meanwhile, in West Bengal, preparations for the International Day of Yoga are in full swing at Red Road, Kolkata.
The spirit of the 12th International Day of Yoga was also seen in Jammu and Kashmir, where the Ramban District Administration, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan, organised a grand Mega Yoga Session at Sanasar.
Additionally, in Srinagar, water sports players showcased unique floating yoga at Pokhribal Lake as a prelude to the global celebrations.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak participated in a massive Yoga camp organised at KD Singh Babu Stadium in Lucknow, a day before the International Day of Yoga.
Speaking to ANI, Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said, "On the eve of International Day of Yoga, a large number of people of Lucknow have gathered here at KD Singh Babu Stadium in Lucknow. On the clarion call of PM Narendra Modi, people are giving a message to the country to perform Yoga and be healthy. Yoga cleanses both mind and soul, and makes the body healthy. I appeal to the people of the country that everyone should make Yoga a part of their life..."
On Friday, Goa CM Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Sanyog ISM Yoga Summit 2026, organised by the Goa Council of Ayurvedic and Other Allied Indian Systems of Medicine in association with the Department of Ayush, on the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing."
International Yoga Day, observed annually on June 21, remains a cornerstone of India's soft power diplomacy. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 following a proposal by Prime Minister Modi, the event has since become a global movement.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Massive preparations indeed! But I sometimes wonder if we spend too much on these large-scale events rather than grassroots yoga centres in villages. The spirit is great, but let's also focus on making yoga accessible to the common person in smaller towns. Still, hats off to the organisers for the enthusiasm! 🙏
As someone who visits India often for work, I'm amazed at how Yoga Day has become a nationwide festival. The energy in these events is infectious! Last year I joined a session in Delhi and the synchronised breathing of thousands of people was almost meditative. It's truly India's gift to global wellness. Happy International Yoga Day to all! 🤗
Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak rightly said—Yoga cleanses both mind and soul. In today's stressful world, we need this more than ever. The theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" is timely too; with our aging population, preventive healthcare through yoga can reduce the burden on our medical system. Let's make it a daily habit, not just a yearly event! 💪
I'm a yoga teacher from California and I must say India's commitment to yoga is unparalleled. The floating yoga at Pokhribal Lake is such a creative idea—it combines physical exercise with the calming effect of water. I wish our local events had even half the enthusiasm of what I see in Indian news every June! 🙏
D Deepak U Good to We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.