PM Modi Leads 12th International Yoga Day in Kolkata with Focus on Healthy Ageing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Kolkata on Sunday, June 21, 2026, with the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” The event, held at the historic Red Road in central Kolkata, saw thousands of yoga practitioners participate in a common yoga session alongside the Prime Minister.
The theme this year highlights yoga's role in promoting physical health, emotional resilience, mental well-being, and active ageing, aiming to improve the quality of life for people of all ages. The celebrations began on June 19 with a “Run for Yoga” programme across West Bengal, followed by a yoga-themed cultural programme titled “Vande Yogam” on the Hooghly river on June 20, observed as West Bengal Day by the state government.
In his address at the event, Modi spoke about the global significance of yoga and its benefits for healthy living. The official statement noted that International Yoga Day is being celebrated at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with over 210 Indian missions and posts participating in the programmes. This widespread participation underscores yoga’s status as a global movement for health, harmony, and collective well-being.
The event in Kolkata marked the culmination of two days of activities. The Prime Minister arrived at Red Road early in the morning to kickstart the common yoga session. The gathering included yoga enthusiasts from various walks of life, demonstrating the unifying power of yoga beyond cultural and national boundaries.
