21 June,2026 11:13 AM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the national celebrations marking the 12th International Day of Yoga from Kolkata's iconic Red Road, where thousands of participants gathered to take part in a mass yoga session aimed at promoting health and well-being.
The event witnessed large-scale participation from yoga practitioners, students, government officials and residents who assembled early in the morning to join the Common Yoga Protocol session. Prime Minister Modi performed various yoga postures alongside the participants at the venue, which is located near the Indian Army's Eastern Command headquarters and the expansive Maidan area of the city.
The annual observance has become one of the largest public wellness initiatives in the world, drawing participation from people across age groups and communities. The Kolkata event was among the key national programmes organised to mark the occasion.
This year's International Day of Yoga is being observed under the theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." The theme highlights the importance of yoga in maintaining physical fitness, improving mental health, strengthening emotional resilience and supporting active lifestyles as people grow older.
Experts have long advocated the practice of yoga as a holistic approach to health, citing its potential benefits in improving flexibility, reducing stress and enhancing overall quality of life. The focus on healthy ageing reflects growing global interest in preventive healthcare and wellness-oriented lifestyles.
According to an official statement, Yoga Day celebrations have been planned at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide. More than 210 Indian missions and diplomatic posts are participating in the observance, underscoring yoga's continued popularity across continents.
Over the years, the annual event has evolved into a global movement promoting health, harmony and collective well-being. Governments, educational institutions, community groups and wellness organisations in several countries have organised yoga sessions and awareness programmes to mark the day.
The International Day of Yoga was established in 2015 after the United Nations General Assembly adopted India's proposal to observe June 21 as Yoga Day. Since then, the annual event has gained widespread international recognition.
Prime Minister Modi has led Yoga Day celebrations from several locations over the years, including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, New York, Srinagar and Visakhapatnam. The annual observance continues to serve as a platform for promoting yoga as a practice that supports both individual health and community well-being.
As participation continues to grow each year, International Day of Yoga has become a significant global event encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles. The large turnout at Kolkata's Red Road reflected the sustained enthusiasm for yoga and its role in fostering physical, mental and emotional wellness across societies.
