International Day of Yoga

Why in News?

Recently, 12^th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated worldwide, organized by the various organisations in collaboration with national and global stakeholders.

• Yoga – Yoga is an ancient discipline originating in India, which unites –
  • Body – Movements, or Postures (asana)
  • Mind - Breathing (pranayama)
  • Consciousness - Meditation (dhyana).
• History – Yoga spans 2,500–5,000 years ago, firstly mentioned in Rigveda.
• It evolved through Hinduism and Buddhism, and modernized into fitness‑focused practice after colonial interest.
• UN Declaration – On 11 December 2014, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 21 June as International Day of Yoga.
• Celebrated on – June 21 since 2015.
• UNESCO – Yoga inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2016).

International Yoga Day, 2026

• Theme, 2026 – Yoga for Healthy Ageing.
• Global Participation – Celebrated in 190+ countries, with events at 2,500+ locations via Indian Missions abroad.
• Supports WHO’s Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) goals
• Guinness World Record – Over 4 lakh participants in a synchronized yoga session.
• Cultural Integration – Celebrations at 100 iconic heritage sites (Red Fort, Konark Sun Temple, Mahabalipuram).

Digital Initiatives

• Yoga 365 – Promotes yoga as a daily lifestyle choice.
• Yoga Samavesh – Inclusive routines like chair yoga for senior citizens.

References

1. PIB | IDY
2. Mednews | IDY