International Day of Yoga draws global crowds under healthy ageing theme

Beijing/washington,UPDATED: Jun 21, 2026 10:10 IST

Thousands of yoga enthusiasts across the world marked the Day of Yoga on Sunday, with Indian missions abroad organising events to underline the ancient practice's role in promoting health and well-being. Day of Yoga has been observed globally on June 21 every year since it was adopted by the United Nations in 2014. The theme this year is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing".

Events were held across countries including China, the US, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Canada and Nepal, drawing diplomats, officials, yoga practitioners, members of the Indian diaspora and local communities. Indian missions said the programmes focused on yoga's wider appeal across age groups and borders.

In China, around 400 people, including diplomats, academics, yoga practitioners and members of the Indian diaspora, took part in celebrations organised by the Consulate General of India in Shanghai at the Bund Finance Centre. Addressing the gathering, Consul General Pratik Mathur described yoga as India's gift to the world and highlighted its growing role in promoting holistic health, mental well-being and active ageing, according to a consulate statement. Mathur said yoga "transcends national boundaries" and continues to inspire millions globally to adopt healthier and more balanced lifestyles. The programme included a guided meditation session, a Manipuri dance performance, an Indian classical music recital and a demonstration on the benefits of yoga. "A comprehensive yoga session incorporating breathing techniques, asanas, and meditation was conducted for participants, emphasising the importance of regular practice in maintaining physical fitness, mental resilience, and overall wellness, particularly in advancing age," the statement said.

In the US, hundreds of participants gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC for a yoga session organised by the Embassy of India. "The Embassy of India marked #IDY2026 in Washington D.C. under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' - a reminder that yoga is for everyone, at every stage of life," the mission said in a post on X. The embassy also organised events at venues including Dupont Circle and the World Bank with local communities, and set up an Ayurveda corner showcasing traditional wellness practices. In Saudi Arabia, nearly 500 participants, including government officials, diplomats, school children and members of the Indian community, attended an Day of Yoga event in Riyadh. The session was led by Saudi women yoga instructors Sima Ghannam and Malak Almughira, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said in an X post. "The growing popularity of yoga in Saudi Arabia marks yet another milestone in India–Saudi Arabia cultural ties," it said.

In Japan, more than 2,100 yoga enthusiasts joined celebrations organised by the Indian Embassy at the historic Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple in Tokyo. "Despite the rain, with the motto 'Yoga together, rain or shine!', the venue was filled with energy and smiles," the embassy said in a post on X. In Canada, the Consulate General of India in Toronto marked the day with a large gathering against the backdrop of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Around 800 participants, including government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, yoga practitioners, wellness organisations and community leaders, took part, the mission said in a social media post. Addressing the gathering, Consul General Mahavir Singhvi said yoga can transcend cultural, linguistic and national boundaries, bringing people together in a "shared pursuit of well-being and reaffirming its timeless relevance as a universal path to health, harmony, and inner balance". "Celebrating this year's theme - 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', a beautifully synchronised yoga session served as a powerful celebration of community, connection, and collective well-being," the post said.

In Nepal, the Embassy of India, in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust, organised a yoga demonstration near the Eternal Peace Flame and the Maya Devi Temple in the Lumbini Sanskritik area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 600 yoga enthusiasts joined the event, which was attended by Lumbini Province Governor Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar. Indian missions in several other countries also organised yoga sessions and related events, as celebrations around the world highlighted this year's message of "Yoga for Healthy Ageing".

With PTI Inputs

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