Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a mass yoga session in Kolkata on June 21, 2026, to mark International Yoga Day [1].
The event highlights India's ongoing efforts to globalize traditional wellness practices and promote public health through the specific theme of "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" [2].
Thousands of participants gathered at Red Road in West Bengal for the celebrations [3]. The event coincided with the 12th International Day of Yoga [1]. During the session, Modi said a message to the world emphasizing the importance of health and well-being across the nation [2].
Modi said the significance of the location for the gathering. "It is very special to be in Bengal today on the occasion of Yoga Day. The sacred land of Bengal," Modi said [4].
The Prime Minister encouraged citizens to integrate the practice into their daily routines to ensure long-term vitality. "We will make yoga a part of our lives," Modi said [5].
By centering the 2026 celebrations on healthy ageing, the initiative seeks to address the needs of an ageing population through physical and mental discipline. The mass session served as a demonstration of the scale of the movement within India, bridging urban centers and traditional practices.
“"We will make yoga a part of our lives"”
The 12th International Day of Yoga reflects the Indian government's strategy to utilize soft power by promoting indigenous cultural practices globally. By focusing on 'Healthy Ageing,' the initiative pivots toward public health challenges associated with demographic shifts, positioning yoga as a preventative healthcare tool rather than just a spiritual practice.
