International Yoga Day 2026: PM Narendra Modi Leads Global Celebrations from Kolkata, Says Yoga Unites Humanity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the nation’s celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga from Kolkata’s iconic Red Road, joining thousands of participants in practising yoga and highlighting its growing role as a global movement for health and well-being.
The Prime Minister took part in the Common Yoga Protocol session alongside yoga enthusiasts gathered at the venue.
The event was held on Red Road, with the headquarters of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command on one side and the vast expanse of Kolkata’s Maidan on the other, creating a picturesque setting for the early morning celebrations.
Throughout the session, Modi was seen interacting with participants and personally helping some of them perfect their yoga postures.
Through physical demonstrations, he guided attendees in performing various asanas correctly, adding a personal touch to the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted the significance of June 21, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
He said the date has evolved into one of the world’s largest collective celebrations because of yoga.
“June 21, which marks the longest day on Earth, has now become the largest community celebration day because of yoga.
Yoga brings people together. I congratulate the people of the world on this occasion,” Modi said.
Referring to this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, the Prime Minister underlined the transformative benefits of the ancient practice.
He said yoga plays a vital role in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and active ageing, ultimately enhancing the quality of life.
Modi also emphasised that yoga transcends the boundaries of age and physical exercise. “Yoga is not just physical exercise.
It is not restricted to any age group.
It is an expression of the human spirit,” he said, describing yoga as a practice that nurtures harmony between the body, mind and soul.
The International Day of Yoga was marked by celebrations at nearly 2,500 locations across the world on June 21.
The observance also witnessed participation from more than 210 Indian missions and diplomatic posts worldwide, underscoring yoga’s emergence as a global phenomenon that promotes health, harmony and collective well-being.
The large-scale participation across continents once again reflected India’s efforts to popularise yoga as a universal practice capable of fostering both personal wellness and a shared sense of global unity.
