Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 21, 2026) said that yoga unites and brings everyone together and has become the world’s largest community celebration.

“June 21, in some parts of the Earth marks the longest day, and because of International Yoga Day, this day has also become the day of the world’s largest collective celebration,” the Prime Minister said participating at an event on International Yoga Day in Kolkata.

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Mr. Modi, who participated in Yoga along with a crowd of 35,000 people at Kolkata’s Red Road referred to Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Maharshi Aurobindo and Lahiri Mahasaya said that they took the “yoga tradition to new heights”.

Observing that the sense of connection is the very essence of Yoga, the Prime Minister said that the whole country and the entire world seem connected to one another; this is the very power of Yoga.

On 27th September 2014, Mr. Modi proposed at the United Nations to celebrate 21st June as International Yoga Day. On 11th December 2014, the UN officially declared 21st June as the International Day of Yoga, with support from 193 member states and 173 co-sponsors. Since then, Yoga Day is celebrated worldwide every year.

During the Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata, the Prime Minister was seen interacting with the people correcting postures of some of they.

Referring to this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, Mr. Modi said the ancient practice plays a crucial role in promoting physical health, mental well-being and active ageing, thereby improving the quality of life.

Highlighting the benefits of Yoga, the Prime Minister said that the practice teaches us to be lifelong learners regarding our own bodies and minds.

“Our goal should be to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20; more energetic at 50 than we were at 30…It helps tune our bodies for flexibility, maintains high energy level,” he said.

The Prime Minister also urged people that they should not restrict yoga to only particular occasions, and it must be made part of people’s lives.

“Let us pledge not to limit Yoga to just one day or a single event; let us make Yoga an integral part of our lives, our families, and the lives of future generations,”he said.

This was the first occasion that International Yoga Day celebrations were observed in Kolkata with lot of fanfare. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and several other BJP leaders and Ministers were present at Yoga day celebrations. The venue of the Yoga Day and the Kolkata river front was decked up over the past several days. Screens live streaming the event at Red Road were set up in several parts of the city since Sunday morning.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my brothers and sisters in Kolkata for being such extraordinary hosts for this year’s International Yoga Day event. Celebrating International Yoga Day in such a vibrant city is truly an honor,”the Prime Minister posted on social media. He also praised a citywide cleanliness drive was held and called it inspiring.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 21, 2026) said yoga has become the world’s largest community celebration, bringing people together across countries and cultures.

Speaking at the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Kolkata, Mr. Modi said June 21, the longest day on the Earth, is now recognised worldwide as a day of yoga.

International Yoga Day 2026 LIVE

“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,” he said.

The Prime Minister also congratulated the people of Kolkata for pursuing the ‘Swachhata Se Swagat’ initiative with dedication.

Referring to this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, Modi said the ancient practice plays a crucial role in promoting physical health, mental well-being and active ageing, thereby improving the quality of life.

“Yoga is not just physical exercise. It is not restricted to any age group. It is an expression of the human spirit,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of healthy ageing, Mr. Modi said efforts must be made to ensure that advancing age does not reduce human potential.

“When we speak of yoga for healthy ageing, we can work to ensure that age does not reduce human potential,” he said.

“Our target is to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. We aim to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30,” he added.

The Prime Minister also said people should not restrict yoga to only particular occasions, and it must be made part of people’s lives.

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.”