Prime Minister Narendra Modi said yoga has become the world's largest community celebration during International Yoga Day events in Kolkata on Sunday.
The celebration emphasizes the role of yoga in promoting physical health and mental well-being on a global scale. By framing the practice as a unifying force, the Indian government seeks to bridge cultural divides and encourage a holistic approach to public health.
Modi led the events from Red Road in Kolkata to mark the 12th [1] International Yoga Day. He said that the practice serves as a bridge between different nations and peoples. "Yoga has become the world's largest community celebration, uniting people across cultures," Modi said.
The focus for the 2026 observance centers on the long-term benefits of the practice. Modi said, "The theme this year is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'."
This specific theme aims to highlight how yoga can assist individuals in maintaining vitality and wellness as they grow older. The initiative encourages the integration of yoga into daily routines to manage the challenges of ageing, both physically and mentally.
Modi described the practice as more than just physical exercise. He said, "Yoga is an expression of the human spirit."
The event in Kolkata was part of a broader series of programs held worldwide. These activities are designed to promote a sense of global unity and shared wellness through the traditional Indian practice.
“Yoga has become the world's largest community celebration, uniting people across cultures.”
The 12th anniversary of International Yoga Day signals India's continued effort to institutionalize yoga as a global public health tool. By shifting the 2026 theme toward 'Healthy Ageing', the initiative targets the demographic reality of ageing populations worldwide, positioning yoga as a preventative healthcare measure to reduce the burden on medical systems.
