Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Sunday (June 21, 2026) morning lead the nation in observing the 12th International Day of Yoga from the Red Road here.

This year’s theme for the International Day of Yoga is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting its role in promoting physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience and active ageing, contributing to an improved quality of life.

Mr. Modi will address a gathering at the Red Road in central Kolkata while participating in the common yoga protocol session with thousands of yoga practitioners during the programme, an official statement said.

Yoga Day celebrations are being organised across nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with participation from more than 210 Indian missions and posts, reaffirming yoga’s status as a global movement for health, harmony and collective well-being, it said.

Since its inception in 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India’s proposal to observe June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, the PM has led the celebrations from various locations, including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, New York, Srinagar and Vishakhapatnam, the statement added.

Regular yoga practice can address concerns relating to physical and mental well-being, according to Rima Dada, media in-charge and Professor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Speaking to The Hindu ahead of the International Day of Yoga, being observed on Sunday (June 21, 2026), Dr. Dada drew attention on the significant rise in global elderly population and making healthy ageing an important public health priority.

“While advancements in healthcare have increased life expectancy, many people spend their later years struggling with lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.’’

“Yoga is more than a set of physical exercises. It is a complete way of life that promotes healthy habits and mental discipline. Research studies have shown that consistent practice can lower biological ageing markers, improve cellular health, and enhance overall quality of life,’’ she said.

For all ages

Advising people of all ages, especially senior citizens, to incorporate yoga into their daily routine, the physician said that regular practice of yoga postures improves flexibility, balance and neuromuscular coordination, while meditation helps reduce stress and oxidative damage.

Dr. Rima also noted that regular yoga practice can play a vital role in managing Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) by improving hormonal balance, regulating menstrual cycles, supporting healthy weight management and reproductive health.

The theme for the 12th International Day of Yoga is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”