Ministry of Ayush kicks off 100-day campaign ahead of International Day of Yoga

The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, will host Yoga Mahotsav‑2026 on March 13, 2026 , at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi to officially launch the 100‑day countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 . This national celebration forms part of a larger programme in which 100 organisations will promote yoga in 100 cities across the country , aiming to popularise yoga and holistic health practices among diverse communities.

The programme at Vigyan Bhawan will begin at 9.00 A.M. onwards and will be attended by distinguished dignitaries, yoga masters, Ayush experts, members of allied sciences, delegates, yoga practitioners, and enthusiasts. The official list of attendees includes Shri Prataprao Jadhav , Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare; Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha , Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Dr. H.R. Nagendra , President, S‑VYASA Society, Bengaluru; and Ms. Monalisa Dash , Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, among others.

Addressing the significance of yoga, Shri Prataprao Jadhav reiterated its deep cultural roots and global relevance, noting that the United Nations General Assembly had declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 at the initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi , recognising yoga’s universal appeal and health benefits. He highlighted that preparations for the IDY‑2026 celebrations are well underway and that the Ministry of Ayush, as the nodal agency for IDY observance, continues to build momentum for nationwide participation.

While Yoga Mahotsav‑2026 marks the formal start of the nationwide campaign, related yoga events are already in full swing across India. The International Yoga Festival 2026 in Rishikesh , an annual week‑long gathering at Parmarth Niketan, runs from March 9–15 , drawing thousands of participants and international delegates to deepen their practice through sessions in meditation, asanas, and philosophical discourse.

This year’s countdown builds on a tradition of public engagement and thematic initiatives. Past International Day of Yoga observances have highlighted the Common Yoga Protocol , encouraging practices like pranayama and dhyana in daily life. Signature programmes and global outreach have extended yoga to diverse sectors, including hospitality and wellness. Beyond celebrations, the Ministry of Ayush is promoting evidence-based integration of yoga and naturopathy into holistic healthcare, advancing India’s focus on preventive and promotive well-being. With 100 days of activities, grassroots campaigns, institutional engagements, and high-profile events , Yoga Mahotsav‑2026 sets the stage for an inclusive lead-up to International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2026 , inspiring citizens nationwide to embrace yoga for holistic health.