The 12th International Day of Yoga in 2026 focuses on "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," promoting longevity and preventive healthcare. Key initiatives include Yoga 365, Yoga for Air Travel, and nationwide Yoga Mahotsav countdown events, culminating in Kolkata.
The Ministry of Ayush announced "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" as the theme for the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026, with the main national event set to be hosted in Kolkata.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the concept of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) during the 69th UN General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014.
The UNGA adopted the resolution in December 2014, with 193 member states approving it and a record 177 co-sponsoring countries supporting the initiative.
The global community observed the very first IDY on June 21, 2015.
12th International Day of Yoga (2026)
The Ministry of Ayush designates “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” as the official theme for IDY 2026.
The city of Kolkata hosts the main national celebration on June 21, 2026, under the theme "Yoga for Harmony and Peace".
The government targets the booming "silver economy"—a sector catering to senior citizens, estimated at nearly ₹73,000 crore in India—by promoting yoga as a cost-effective preventive healthcare solution.
The theme emphasizes increasing the "healthspan" (the period of life spent in good health) of the geriatric population.
Key Government Initiatives
The Ministry of Ayush launches the Yoga 365 Campaign, conducting 100 Days Free Live Yoga Sessions to encourage daily practice and award participants the Yog Mitra certification.
The government develops 10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), creating customized practices for specific target groups, particularly the elderly.
The Yoga Samavesh initiative brings yoga to vulnerable and underserved populations using accessible methods like chair yoga.
The Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) fosters innovation and start-up participation in elderly care solutions.
Authorities release a specialized "Yoga for Air Travel" protocol to reduce flight stress, alongside an AI-based posture correction tool built on the Ayush Grid.
The government operationalizes the Yoga Sangam Portal for tracking online registrations and the Yoga Park Portal to help institutions build dedicated yoga spaces.
The Namaste-Yoga App serves as a comprehensive digital health solution, tracking step counts, calories burnt, and providing access to local yoga events.
Source: PIB
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 1 and 3 only C) 2 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The official theme for the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) in 2026 is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing". Statement 2 is incorrect: While the main Khajuraho monuments in Madhya Pradesh (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) hosted the 'Yoga Mahotsav' to launch the 25-day countdown, the main national event for IDY 2026 will be hosted in Kolkata, West Bengal. Statement 3 is correct: The Ministry of Ayush launched the 'Yoga Park Portal' as part of IDY 2026 preparations, a visionary initiative designed to develop and upgrade dedicated public yoga spaces across states in collaboration with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners. |
The official theme for the 12th International Day of Yoga is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing".
The main national celebration for IDY 2026 will be hosted in Kolkata, West Bengal.
It is a Ministry of Ayush campaign designed to encourage daily yoga practice throughout the year by offering a 100-day free live online training program.
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