PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the national observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IYD 2026) on 21st June 2026 from the historic Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal. Emphasizing this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the Prime Minister joined thousands of enthusiastic practitioners in performing , following the Common Yoga Protocol 2026, issued by the Ministry of Ayush.

The mega event beautifully reflected the inclusive spirit of the city. Breaking all barriers, the people of Kolkata turned out in massive numbers from every section of society. The extraordinary gathering saw an inspiring generational bridge, with participants ranging from 7-year-old children to 86-year-old veterans stretching side-by-side in perfect harmony.

The IYD 2026 celebration infused a vibrant new joy and goodwill among the participants, transforming Red Road and far beyond into a sea of wellness and unity. In his address, PM Modi praised Kolkata’s rich spiritual heritage and its citizens’ civic pride, noting that yoga is not merely physical exercise but a lifelong companion for consciousness and inner illumination. “Yoga connects us all and brings us together. When yoga becomes a way of life, it becomes the foundation of human unity,” the Prime Minister remarked.

Prime Minister Modi paid homage and reminded about contribution of yogi Rishi Aurobindo, Lahiri Mohasoy , Swami Vivekananda, Bhagwan Sri Ramakrishna Paramanhansa in promotion of well being of human beings through yoga. The grand event concluded with a collective commitment to making yoga an integral part of daily life, leaving the city energized with renewed health, harmony, and a shared sense of global well-being.