International Yoga Day draws massive crowds across the world
Moscow, June 21
People gathered in large numbers across the world to embrace the timeless practice of Yoga on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga on Sunday.
In Russia, the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Moscow, in collaboration with the Moscow City Government, organised the 12th International Day of Yoga, 'Yoga For Healthy Ageing' celebrations at the iconic Universitetskaya Square, Lomonosov Moscow State University.
"The event brought together yoga enthusiasts, community members and wellness advocates to embrace the timeless practice of yoga and its role in promoting health, harmony, mindfulness and overall well-being," the embassy wrote on X.
In Germany, amidst the grandeur of the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the Embassy of India in Berlin and the Tagore Cultural Centre in Berlin, in collaboration with Art of Living, celebrated IDY 2026 with over 500 participants.
"Thunderstorms could not dampen the spirit; as participants continued practising Yoga with enthusiasm, reflecting their commitment to its message of health, harmony and well-being," the Embassy highlighted on X, showing people practising Yoga in the rain.
"The event featured a special message from PM Narendra Modi on Yoga for Healthy Ageing. Amb Ajit Gupte spoke on Yoga's enduring relevance for holistic well-being and growing popularity in Germany," it added.
In Denmark, the Sustainability Foundation and HHS Aarhus organised IDY celebrations. The Mayor for Health and Elderly Care, Aarhus City, Metin Aydin, also participated.
"It is significant as the 2026 theme relates to Healthy Ageing," said the Indian Embassy in Copenhagen.
Against the majestic backdrop of the Royal Palace at Plaza de Oriente, Madrid celebrated the 12th IDY with enthusiastic participation, reflecting Yoga's enduring appeal and universal message of well-being.
"Addressing the hundreds of participants gathered on the occasion, the Ambassador underscored how IDY, an initiative of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become a global movement," noted the Embassy of India, Madrid.
"The Ambassador highlighted the significance of Yoga in promoting unity and harmony across the world, while reflecting on the significance of this year's theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing". Vice Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport of the Community of Madrid, Mr Luis Fernando Martin Izquierdo, graced the occasion," it added.
In Hungary, IDY celebrations took place at the Sports University Stadium in Budapest.
"Inspired by Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi's address from Kolkata, enthusiastic participants from the Indian diaspora, partners, and Hungarian friends joined us. The Ambassador highlighted this year's theme: 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'-adding life to our years with grace and wisdom," the Embassy of India in Hungary wrote on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the global spread, I wish we focused more on making yoga accessible in rural India first. Many villages still lack basic healthcare, let alone yoga instructors. The PR machinery is strong abroad, but ground realities at home need attention too.
As an American who now lives in India, I love seeing this! I started yoga in New York and now practice here. The energy during these events is incredible. The Indian embassy in Berlin deserves special praise for organising despite the rain - that's real passion.
'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' is such a relevant theme this year. As someone in my 60s, I've been practising yoga for 20 years and I can tell you - it's not just exercise, it's a way of life. Happy to see our ancient wisdom being shared with the world. The Brandenburg Gate backdrop must have been spectacular! 🌏
Great to see European cities participating! But can we also appreciate how the Indian diaspora is keeping our traditions alive in foreign lands? The Budapest event with PM Modi's address via video is a nice touch. Yoga really does transcend borders and politics. 🕉️
I attended the event in Madrid last year! The atmosphere at Plaza de Oriente with the Royal Palace behind you is magical. This year's theme about healthy ageing is perfect - my grandmother, who is 78, does yoga daily and she's more flexible than me! 😅 It's not just India's soft power, it's genuinely beneficial for everyone.
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