Thousands of yoga enthusiasts across the world marked the International Day of Yoga on Sunday (June 21, 2026), as Indian missions abroad organised events to highlight the ancient practice’s role in fostering health and well-being.

International Day of Yoga is celebrated globally on June 21 every year, since its adoption by the United Nations in 2014. The theme for this year’s event is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.

International Yoga Day 2026 LIVE updates

In China, around 400 people, including diplomats, academics, yoga practitioners and members of the Indian diaspora, participated in celebrations organised by the Consulate General of India in Shanghai at the Bund Finance Centre.

Addressing the gathering, Consul General Pratik Mathur described yoga as India’s gift to the world and underscored its growing role in promoting holistic health, mental well-being and active ageing, according to a statement issued by the consulate.

Mr. Mathur said that yoga transcends national boundaries and continues to inspire millions globally to embrace healthier and more balanced lifestyles.

The programme featured a guided meditation session, a Manipuri dance performance, an Indian classical music recital and a demonstration on the benefits of yoga.

“A comprehensive yoga session incorporating breathing techniques, asanas, and meditation was conducted for participants, emphasising the importance of regular practice in maintaining physical fitness, mental resilience, and overall wellness, particularly in advancing age,” the statement said.

In the U.S., hundreds of participants gathered at the iconic Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC for a yoga session organised by the Embassy of India.

“The Embassy of India marked #IDY2026 in Washington D.C. under the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ — a reminder that yoga is for everyone, at every stage of life,” the Indian mission said in a post on X.

The Indian Embassy in Washington also hosted a series of events at venues including Dupont Circle and the World Bank with local communities, besides setting up an Ayurveda corner showcasing traditional wellness practices.

In Saudi Arabia, nearly 500 participants, including government officials, diplomats, school children and Indian community members, attended an International Day of Yoga event in Riyadh.

The session was led by Saudi women yoga instructors Sima Ghannam and Malak Almughira, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said in an X post.

“The growing popularity of yoga in Saudi Arabia marks yet another milestone in India–Saudi Arabia cultural ties,” it said.

In Japan, more than 2,100 yoga enthusiasts joined celebrations organised by the Indian Embassy at the historic Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple in Tokyo.

“Despite the rain, with the motto ‘Yoga together, rain or shine!’, the venue was filled with energy and smiles,” the Indian Embassy in Tokyo said in a post on X.

In Canada, the Consulate General of India in Toronto marked the International Day of Yoga with a large gathering against the backdrop of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Around 800 participants, including government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, yoga practitioners, wellness organisations, and community leaders, took part in the celebrations, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said in a social media post.

Addressing the gathering, Consul General Mahavir Singhvi highlighted yoga’s ability to transcend cultural, linguistic and national boundaries, bringing people together in a “shared pursuit of well-being and reaffirming its timeless relevance as a universal path to health, harmony, and inner balance”.

“Celebrating this year’s theme — ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, a beautifully synchronised yoga session served as a powerful celebration of community, connection, and collective well-being,” the post said.

In Nepal, the Embassy of India, in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust, organised a yoga demonstration near the Eternal Peace Flame and the Maya Devi Temple in the Lumbini Sanskritik area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More than 600 yoga enthusiasts participated in the event, attended by Lumbini Province Governor Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar.

Indian missions in several other countries also organised yoga sessions and events to mark the occasion.

Published – June 21, 2026 10:20 am IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation after participating in the 12th International Yoga Day in Kolkata on June 21, 2026. Photo: X/@narendramodi

Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer has issued a proclamation in recognition of the International Day of Yoga in the state and urged residents to explore the practice for a healthier lifestyle.

In a proclamation, Meyer said yoga is a 5,000-year-old ancient practice from India that integrates the mind, body, and spirit to enhance overall health and well-being.

He said the practice of yoga fosters physical strength, flexibility, mental clarity, and emotional balance, offering valuable tools for managing stress and improving community health.

“Now, Therefore, I, Matthew Meyer, Governor, do hereby proclaim June 21, 2026, as INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA in the State of Delaware, and encourage all residents to explore this practice for a healthier lifestyle,” the proclamation read. — PTI

The logo of the International Day of Yoga installed at the stage area ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s visit to attend the 12th International Yoga Day celebrations at Red Road, in Kolkata.
| Photo Credit: ANI

People take part in a yoga session in Bengaluru on June 20, 2026.
| Photo Credit: J. ALLEN EGENUSE

Namma Metro services will commence at 5 am from all terminal stations on all lines, instead of the regular Sunday service start time of 7 a.m., on June 21, 2026. 
| Photo Credit: File photo

Srinagar:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the International Yoga Day event in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar today, said the number of yoga practitioners around the world is increasing at a rapid rate. 

“We can feel the energy in Srinagar, that we gain through Yoga. I extend greetings to people of the country and people performing Yoga in every corner of the world on Yoga Day. International Yoga Day has completed a historic journey of 10 years. In 2014, I proposed International Yoga Day at the United Nations. This proposal by India was supported by 177 nations and this was a record in itself. Since then, Yoga Day has been creating new records,” PM Modi said. 

“When I am abroad, global leaders discuss Yoga wit me,” the Prime Minister said. “As we mark 10th International Yoga Day, I urge everyone to make yoga part of their daily lives.” 

PM Modi will lead the celebrations of the 10th International Day of Yoga at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. 

In his address, the prime minister also made a mentioned of 101-year-old Frenchwoman Charlotte Chopin who was awarded a Padma Shri for her services in popularising yoga in her country.

“This year in India, a 101-year-old woman Yoga teacher from France was accorded the Padma Shri. She had never come to India but she dedicated her entire life to creating awareness about Yoga. Today, research on Yoga is being done in prestigious universities and institutions around the world; research papers are being published,” the PM said.

The 30-minute yoga session was supposed to begin at 7 am but was delayed due to the rain. The event is being attended by, among others, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and Ayush Minister Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform yoga on the banks of the Dal Lake in Srinagar to celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day today. The event will take place at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Complex and around 4,000 people are expected to attend. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society”, emphasises yoga’s vital role in fostering individual well-being and social harmony.

PM Modi will perform yoga asanas with VIPs, children and thousands of residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The 30-minute yoga session will begin at 7 am, which will be attended by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and Ayush Minister Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav.

Here are the LIVE updates on International Yoga Day celebrations:

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