PM Modi Leads International Yoga Day in Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations at Red Road in Kolkata on 21 June 2026. The event included a mass yoga session with thousands of participants and synchronised yoga programmes at multiple locations in the city.

International Day of Yoga

The United Nations General Assembly declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. The first International Day of Yoga was observed on 21 June 2015 after the adoption of the United Nations resolution on yoga.

Theme and Yoga Practice

The theme for 2026 was “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline that originated in ancient India and includes postures, breathing exercises and meditation. During the Kolkata session, the Prime Minister participated in yoga postures and assisted participants in correcting their poses during the 40-minute programme. The venue at Red Road was expected to host about 35,000 participants, while nearly 10 lakh people were expected to join synchronised sessions across Kolkata.

Global Participation in Yoga Day

More than 210 Indian Missions abroad and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations were scheduled to organise Yoga Day programmes at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide. The Ministry of Ayush is the Union ministry responsible for policy, promotion and coordination of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.

Important Facts for Exams

• 21 June is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and is used for International Day of Yoga observances.
• The International Day of Yoga was first observed in 2015.
• Red Road is a major ceremonial avenue in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• ICCR stands for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

Venue and Public Debate

Red Road in Kolkata has been used for large public gatherings and ceremonial events. The venue also became part of a political controversy after permission for an Eid-ul-Adha congregation at the same location was denied on 28 May 2026.