Published on: May 28, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Khajuraho/New Delhi, India
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, today announced that the main event of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 will be held in Kolkata on June 21, 2026. He also revealed that this year’s theme will be “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlighting the role of yoga in promoting physical health, mental well-being, and healthy ageing.
The announcement was made during Yoga Mahotsav 2026 organized at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, marking the beginning of the 25-day countdown to International Yoga Day 2026. The event was organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, where thousands of yoga enthusiasts participated in a mass demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated that Kolkata, known for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual consciousness, will host the grand celebrations of International Yoga Day 2026. He emphasized that the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” reflects the growing importance of yoga in promoting holistic wellness during old age. He described yoga as a symbol of India’s ancient wisdom and an essential tool for preventive healthcare and balanced living.
The minister further noted that Khajuraho, with its deep cultural and spiritual roots, symbolizes the harmony between India’s ancient traditions and wellness practices. He said the city has the potential to emerge as a global hub for yoga and wellness.
Highlighting the importance of integrating yoga into everyday life, Shri Jadhav said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Ayush is continuously working to bring yoga to every village, household, school, office, and community through mass participation initiatives. Stressing preventive healthcare, he added that yoga and initiatives like Ayush Aahar encourage balanced nutrition, disciplined lifestyles, and holistic health.
On the occasion, the minister relaunched the Yoga Sangam Portal to facilitate online registration and strengthen public participation for 2026 celebrations. He also launched the Yoga Park Portal to help develop dedicated yoga spaces across states and institutions. In addition, a newly designed yoga T-shirt promoting the message of yoga, health, and wellness was unveiled. He informed that under the Yoga 365 Campaign, more than two lakh individuals have participated in the 100-day free yoga training program and received Yoga Mitra certificates.
Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, joined the event virtually and stated in his video message that yoga and Khajuraho are inseparable symbols of India’s cultural heritage. He said the younger generation is increasingly adopting yoga as an integral part of daily life, contributing to the creation of a healthier and more aware society.
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister for Higher Education, Technical Education, and Ayush, Shri Inder Singh Parmar, said that yoga and Ayurveda are not merely practices but lifestyles deeply rooted in India’s rich traditions. He added that education and yoga together can help build a healthier society.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, and Religious Trusts & Endowments, Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, remarked that the event reflects the nation’s cultural consciousness and civilizational values while promoting holistic wellness among people.
Member of Parliament from Khajuraho, Shri Vishnu Dutt Sharma, stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has emerged as a global movement for health and wellness and is now practiced in nearly 190 countries worldwide.
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Ms. Monalisa Das, said that in today’s stressful lifestyle, yoga offers a simple and sustainable path to holistic health. She urged citizens to become “Yoga Mitra” and appealed for participation in the attempt to create a Guinness World Record on June 14, 2026, aimed at uniting the world through yoga.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including MLA Rajnagar Shri Arvind Pateriya, MLA Bijawar Shri Rajesh Shukla, Chhatarpur MLA Smt. Lalita Yadav, Principal Secretary Ayush Shri Shobhit Jain, District Magistrate & Collector Chhatarpur Shri Parth Jaiswal (IAS), Superintendent of Police Chhatarpur Shri Rajat Saklecha (IPS), along with senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and the state government.
One of the major highlights of the event was the large-scale demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol led by Prof. (Dr.) Kashinath Samagandi, Director of MDNIY, along with yoga trainers from the institute. Thousands of yoga enthusiasts from across the region participated, reflecting the growing nationwide movement toward yoga-based wellness and preventive healthcare.
The Common Yoga Protocol, developed by the Ministry of Ayush, is a standardized sequence of yoga practices designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being for people of all age groups.
The event marked another important milestone in the nationwide preparations for International Yoga Day 2026 and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting holistic health and wellness through yoga.
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