Yoga Day 2026: Kolkata to Host Flagship Event as PM Modi Leads Nationwide Celebrations

The main national event for the International Day of Yoga will be held in Kolkata on June 21 , with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to lead the celebrations, Union Minister for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav announced on Monday.

Addressing a press conference, the Minister said this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” , underscores the growing relevance of yoga in promoting physical well-being, mental health, and active ageing , particularly in an era marked by lifestyle-related health challenges.

He said the flagship event in Kolkata reflects India’s continued effort to expand yoga’s reach across all regions of the country, including eastern India, while reinforcing its global identity. The government expects participation at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide , coordinated through Indian missions abroad under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

Jadhav noted that yoga has evolved into a global wellness movement , embraced by millions across countries, and continues to grow in popularity as a tool for holistic health.

In recent years, the main International Yoga Day celebrations have been held at prominent locations across India to highlight regional diversity and cultural heritage. These have included Mysuru , known for its deep-rooted yoga tradition, Jabalpur , and Srinagar , where the event was held amid the scenic backdrop of the Dal Lake, each chosen to reflect India’s geographical and cultural richness.

The choice of Kolkata this year is seen as significant, given the city’s historical role as a cultural hub and its growing prominence in hosting national-level events, further strengthening yoga’s outreach in eastern India.

Officials said the theme and scale of this year’s celebrations highlight yoga’s transition from India’s ancient tradition to a shared global practice for health and well-being .