International Yoga Day unites global cities around healthy ageing theme

Beijing/washington,UPDATED: Jun 21, 2026 17:04 IST

Yoga enthusiasts across the world marked the Day of Yoga on Sunday, with events at venues ranging from Tokyo’s historic Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple to the Arco della Pace in Milan, underlining the widening appeal of the ancient Indian practice as a route to health, balance and well-being.

Observed globally on June 21 every year since it was adopted by the United Nations in 2014, this year’s Day of Yoga was held under the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’. The theme highlighted yoga’s role in promoting physical fitness, mental resilience and holistic wellness at every stage of life, while in some countries the celebrations began days earlier.

In Moscow, the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre of the Embassy of India, in collaboration with the Moscow City Government, organised celebrations at Universitetskaya Square at Lomonosov Moscow State University. The Embassy of India in Russia said on X, “Hundreds of participants joined the mass practice of the Common Yoga Protocol at the XII Day of Yoga celebrations in Moscow, led by Mr. Bhup Singh Thakur, Yoga teacher at the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Moscow.” In Shanghai, around 400 people, including diplomats, academics, yoga practitioners and members of the Indian diaspora, took part in an event organised by the Consulate General of India at the Bund Finance Centre. Addressing the gathering, Consul General Pratik Mathur described yoga as India’s gift to the world and underlined its growing role in promoting holistic health, mental well-being and active ageing. The programme also included a guided meditation session, a Manipuri dance performance, an Indian classical music recital and a demonstration on the benefits of yoga.

In Japan, more than 2,100 yoga enthusiasts joined the Indian Embassy’s celebrations at Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple in Tokyo. The embassy said on X, “Despite the rain, with the motto ‘Yoga together, rain or shine!’, the venue was filled with energy and smiles.” In Australia, a large number of people gathered at Old Parliament House in Canberra for celebrations led by Yoga Australia CEO Josh Pryor. The High Commission of India in Canberra said the one-hour session offered a rare moment of calm and mindfulness, adding, “A wonderful reminder that yoga is not just exercise-it is a way of life that nurtures both body and mind.” In Bangladesh, the Indian mission in Dhaka said participants of all ages joined the event and that “Their enthusiastic participation reflected the spirit of this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, and underscored yoga’s relevance across every stage of life.” In New Zealand, people from Kiwi, Indian and other ethnic communities gathered at the premises of the High Commission of India, which posted on X, “Celebrated the 12th Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm in collaboration with Heartfulness and Art of Living Foundation NZ at the HCI premises.” In Finland, the Embassy of India organised a special yoga session at the Oodi Library opposite the Parliament House, bringing together diplomats, Finnish officials and members of the Indian diaspora.

In London, a special programme at the Strand brought together different yoga traditions. The High Commission of India in London said on X, “The celebration featured demonstrations and sessions by Anahat Yoga, Chi Kri Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, SRMD Yoga, @ArtofLiving, @heartfulness UK, @ishafoundation and @BrahmaKumaris. Together, they reflected the richness, diversity and inclusivity of yoga traditions, illustrating how this ancient practice continues to inspire and transform lives across the world.” In Kuala Lumpur, more than 1,100 enthusiasts joined celebrations organised by the High Commission of India and the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre. The mission said, “Honoured to have YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami as Chief Guest, who delivered an inspiring address on Yoga’s role in building a healthier, more productive society.” In Italy, yoga enthusiasts gathered at the Arco della Pace in Milan, while in Ankara the event at India House was attended by more than 250 participants, including diplomats, yoga enthusiasts, Turkish nationals, Friends of India and members of the Indian diaspora.

In the United States, hundreds of participants gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on Saturday for a yoga session organised by the Embassy of India. The mission said on X, “The Embassy of India marked #IDY2026 in Washington DC under the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ - a reminder that yoga is for everyone, at every stage of life.” The embassy also held a series of 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 Indian community members, attended an event in Riyadh on Saturday. The session was led by Saudi women yoga instructors Sima Ghannam and Malak Almughira, and the Indian Embassy said, “The growing popularity of yoga in Saudi Arabia marks yet another milestone in India–Saudi Arabia cultural ties.” In Barcelona, the Indian mission celebrated the day at Parc de Joan Miró with the Indian Culture Centre and The Yoga Gallery, saying, “Around 150 participants joined the event, highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’.” In Canada, the Consulate General of India in Toronto marked the occasion on Saturday with a gathering near the Legislative Assembly of Ontario attended by around 800 participants, including government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, yoga practitioners, wellness organisations and community leaders. Addressing the gathering, Consul General Mahavir Singhvi said yoga brought people together in a “shared pursuit of well-being and reaffirming its timeless relevance as a universal path to health, harmony, and inner balance”. In Nepal, the Embassy of India, 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, on Saturday. More than 600 yoga enthusiasts took part in the event, which was attended by Lumbini Province Governor Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar.

Indian missions in several other countries, including Slovenia, Romania, Indonesia, Oman, the UAE, Nigeria, Denmark, Kenya and Kazakhstan, also organised yoga sessions and events to mark the day. Overall, the celebrations across countries reflected this year’s focus on healthy ageing and brought together diplomats, officials, community members and yoga practitioners in large numbers.

With PTI Inputs

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