Modi leads 12th International Yoga Day in Kolkata; theme is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'

Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday participated in World Yoga Day in Kolkata’s Red Road along with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.Addressing millions of participants, Modi said that June 21 had become the day of the world’s largest collective celebration and also urged everyone to make it part of everyday life.“Yoga keeps a person fit and healthy. Yoga connects everyone and brings everyone together. Yoga is not merely a means of physical exercise. Yoga is not limited to any particular age group,” said Modi.Referring to this year’s theme ‘Yoga for Healthy aging’, the Prime Minister had mentioned that Yoga keeps people active and energised even as people grow older.Rafiuddin Faqih Girls High School In Bhiwandi Marks Yoga Day With Special Session For Holistic Health & Well-Being “When we get over 50 years of age, Yoga gives the people the strength of 30 years of age. This year’s theme means that we can work to ensure that age does not reduce human potential. Yoga keeps a person flexible, reduces stress and keeps diseases at bay,” further added Modi.Modi stated that he feels lucky to participate in ‘World Yoga Day’ in Bengal as saints like Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda were born in this state and also promoted Yoga.Referring to lines from Bhagavad Gita, The Prime Minister added, “Yukta ahara viharasya, yukta cheshtasya karmasu, Yukta swapnavabodhasya, yogo bhavati dukhaha. (Balance is the foundation of yoga. Balance is also the foundation of our lives.) Yoga should not be confined to just one program. We will make yoga a part of our everyday lives.”

Mumbai: On the 12th International Yoga Day on Sunday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde celebrated the occasion by performing yoga asanas at his residence in Thane.Taking to his X account (formerly Twitter), Shinde wrote, "On the occasion of International Yoga Day, yoga asanas were performed with enthusiasm at my residence to celebrate this special day." ठाणे |आंतरराष्ट्रीय योग दिना’निमित्त आज निवासस्थानी उत्साहात योगासने करून हा विशेष दिवस साजरा केला.​धकाधकीच्या आयुष्यात मनाला शांतता आणि शरीराला निरोगी ठेवण्यासाठी ‘योग’ हाच एकमेव उत्तम मार्ग आहे. केवळ आजच्या दिवसापुरतेच मर्यादित न राहता, योग ही आपल्या दैनंदिन जीवनशैलीचा… pic.twitter.com/FYVvuE1ybG— Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) June 21, 2026 Highlighting the importance of yoga in daily life, the Shiv Sena leader said, "In the hustle and bustle of life, yoga is an excellent way to keep the mind peaceful and the body healthy. Rather than being limited to just one day, yoga should become a part of our daily lifestyle—this is the true resolve of today's day."Moreover, Mumbai witnessed large-scale celebrations on International Yoga Day, with political leaders, fitness enthusiasts, and citizens participating in yoga sessions organised in parts of the city. However, this year's theme for International Yoga Day is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing.'Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also took part in a yoga event held at Juhu Chowpatty in Mumbai. The programme was organised by MLA Ameet Satam and MP Ravindra Waikar. Dressed in a black T-shirt and track pants, Fadnavis was seen performing various yoga asanas along with participants at the venue.#WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis performs Yoga on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga in Mumbai.The theme for this year's Yoga Day is 'Yoga For Healthy Ageing' pic.twitter.com/LV9Yhz8BoW— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026 Even, Union Minister Piyush Goyal participated in Yoga Day celebrations at an event organised in Malad West, where several residents and yoga enthusiasts gathered early in the morning to mark the occasion.Mumbai, Maharashtra: Union Minister Piyush Goyal performs Yoga on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga event organised in Malad West(Video Source: Piyush Goyal/YT) pic.twitter.com/jrxST84Ozg— IANS (@ians_india) June 21, 2026 Meanwhile, BJP MP Anurag Thakur and Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC attended the special wellness programme 'Yoga by the Bay' at Mumbai's iconic Marine Drive. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from people across age groups.Mumbai, Maharashtra: On International Yoga Day 2026, BJP MP Anurag Thakur and Shiv Sena leader and spokesperson Shaina NC participated in the special wellness event, "Yoga by the Bay," held at Mumbai's Marine Drive pic.twitter.com/XMa27QfXLh— IANS (@ians_india) June 21, 2026 International Yoga Day celebrations were also held across the country with participation from top political leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the national-level Yoga Day programme at Red Road in Kolkata, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah performed yoga at an event organised in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

New Delhi: From the icy heights of Siachen Glacier to the vast Rann of Kutch, and from the hills of the northeast to naval platforms at sea, the armed forces observed the International Day of Yoga across the country, reaffirming their commitment to physical fitness and mental resilience.Celebrating the International Yoga Day at Eastern Air Command in Shillong. I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their lives. https://t.co/DrVNyhMocz— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 21, 2026 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the celebrations in Shillong, as he, accompanied by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and other air warriors, took part in a yoga session hosted by the Eastern Air Command."Celebrating the International Yoga Day at Eastern Air Command in Shillong. I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their lives," he said in a post on X and also shared a video of the session.Attended the Internal Yoga Day celebrations at Eastern Air Command in Shillong. Yoga brings the entire humanity together as it unites the people across the country and continents. I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their routine. pic.twitter.com/8LloW9Td2S— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 21, 2026 Chief of Defence Staff Gen NS Raja Subramani led the Yoga Day celebrations organised by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff at the National War Memorial in Delhi.Meanwhile, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi fronted the celebrations with troops in Tezpur, Assam.Tezpur, Assam: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi performed yoga along with serving personnel, veterans, and their families on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga in Tezpur(Source: Indian Army) pic.twitter.com/E8HFmutU22— IANS (@ians_india) June 21, 2026 #WATCH | Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi performed yoga with all serving personnel, veterans and families on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga in Tezpur, Assam(Video Source: Indian Army) pic.twitter.com/qCP1kmTdiv— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026 "His participation alongside soldiers in the Eastern theatre symbolised the Army's continued emphasis on fitness, resilience and operational readiness in all terrains and conditions," a senior official said.This year marks the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', which emphasises the importance of yoga for all ages."From the icy heights of Siachen Glacier to the southern tip at Kanyakumari; from the land of the rising sun in the northeast to the vast expanse of the Rann of Kutch, soldiers performed yoga in diverse and challenging terrains, reaffirming their commitment to physical fitness, mental well-being and holistic health," the Army said in a post on X.On the occasion of the International Day of Yoga 2026, Indian Army personnel enthusiastically participated in Yoga sessions conducted across the length and breadth of the Nation under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing".From the icy heights of Siachen, to the southern tip at… pic.twitter.com/HAYINPi9w6— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) June 21, 2026 The celebrations reflected the Indian Army's ethos of discipline, resilience and wellness, while reinforcing yoga's role in promoting a healthy lifestyle and enhancing operational effectiveness.In the national capital, the Indian Army hosted the event at the Cariappa Parade Ground at Delhi Cantonment.Army jawans and others, positioned in a huge grid formation, stretched their arms and legs to perform various 'asanas'.Indian Navy Submariners Mark International Yoga Day 2026 With Underwater Session - VIDEO Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth participated in the yoga session at the Cariappa Parade Ground with over 3,500 enthusiastic participants, including several personnel and their family members, veterans, women, children, NCC cadets and many civilians, officials said.Defence attaches from more than 17 countries also joined the event, reflecting the global significance of yoga and its growing acceptance as a path to health, harmony and well-being, the Army official said.Yoga sessions were also held in desert terrain, coastal areas, islands and field formations, reflecting the unifying spirit of yoga.Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar's Yoga Poses Go Viral On International Yoga Day, Internet Says ‘You’ve Even Left The Yoga Teacher Behind’ | Watch Yoga events were held at various Army commands -- Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern, Central and South Western.Naval platforms and Indian Coast Guard's ships at sea and at harbour also took part in the celebrations.The day holds special significance for the naval force as three indigenous frontline ships, including stealth frigate 'Dunagiri', got commissioned into the Navy in Kolkata on Sunday.From Shilpa Shetty To Akshay Kumar: Bollywood Stars Mark International Yoga Day 2026 On June 21 From the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), its personnel onboard vessels 'Varad', 'Samudra Pratap', 'Sarthak', 'Arush', 'C-445', 'C-161' and 'C-156' took part in yoga sessions, a senior official of the ICG said."In a remarkable display of unity and commitment to wellness, coordinated yoga sessions were conducted across various ICG ships and establishments spanning the nation's extensive coastline and island territories," the official said.The central event was held at the Coast Guard Complex in Noida in association with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga.'June 21 Marks Longest Day On Earth': PM Narendra Modi On International Yoga Day 2026 The programme was graced by ICG's Director General, Paramesh Sivamani, who addressed over 1,000 ICG personnel and their family members, the official said.All military commands of the three Services -- the Army, Navy and the Air Force -- have been gearing up for this annual event, which seeks to promote physical fitness, mental resilience and holistic well-being.Many Army commands have also held yoga sessions ahead of the International Yoga Day.International Yoga Day 2026: Over 10k People Perform Bhramari Pranayama For 3 Minutes Together In Indore, Set World Record "Yoga's Calm, Soldier's Strength #Yoga nurtures physical vitality, sharpens mental focus and fosters inner balance, empowering individuals to lead healthier, more disciplined and resilient lives while cultivating harmony of body, mind and spirit," Lucknow-based Central Command posted on X earlier.The Indian Air Force too organised a host of events spanning its multiple commands, from the Western Air Command in Delhi to Southern Air Command in Thiruvananthapuram.EAM S Jaishankar Performs Yoga With Norway Ambassador At New Delhi's Nehru Park On International Yoga Day | Video The IAF will commemorate IDY by "organising yoga sessions across the length and breadth of the country, spanning diverse terrains and regions -- from the high-altitude mountains of Leh in the north to beaches of Car Nicobar in the south and from the eastern frontiers of Tawang to the sacred city of Dwarka in the west", officials had said ahead of the IDY.Rooted in India's timeless wisdom, Yoga nurtures strength, balance and inner harmony, enabling individuals to lead healthier, more active and fulfilling lives at every age, military officials said.Yoga helps in building a healthier, stronger and more resilient future, they said. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

The Indian Navy celebrated International Day of Yoga 2026 in a unique way by conducting an underwater yoga session at INS Satvahana, where 40 submariners performed synchronised yoga exercises beneath the water's surface.The unusual demonstration showcased the physical and mental discipline required by naval personnel, drawing widespread attention online after videos of the event were shared on social media.40 submariners perform yoga underwaterAccording to a post shared by INS Satvahana on X, the participating submariners executed a series of coordinated yoga postures underwater, displaying remarkable breath control, concentration and endurance.The underwater session highlighted how yoga can be adapted to challenging environments while helping personnel strengthen focus, resilience and composure. Naval officials noted that such qualities are particularly valuable for those serving in demanding underwater operations.As a run up to the International Day of Yoga 2026, INS Satvahana conducted a unique session of Underwater Yoga on 20 Jun 26.The event had 40 participants from the unit, who demonstrated remarkable breath control, concentration, endurance and composure while performing a series… pic.twitter.com/d6v2IuEri6— INS Satavahana (@IN_Satavahana) June 20, 2026 Videos from the event show submariners performing yoga poses, including bhujangasana, while maintaining synchronisation underwater.Yoga training led by naval expertsThe session was conducted by in-house Naval Yoga practitioners under the guidance of Lieutenant Commander Aarush Sharma. Through a combination of controlled breathing techniques, mindful movement and mental conditioning, participants experienced how yoga can support performance in high-pressure situations.Officials said the initiative reflected the Navy's broader focus on holistic fitness and mental well-being among its personnel.“The event stands as a testament to the Indian Navy’s commitment to promoting holistic well-being and embracing innovative approaches to fitness, while reinforcing the spirit of the International Day of Yoga – ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’,” the caption accompanying the video stated.Jai Hind! Our Navy warriors taking Yoga to new depths – literally! Breath control like this is what makes them unstoppable. Proud of our forces!— Nationscope.in (@NationScopeIn) June 21, 2026 How yoga benefits Naval personnelYoga has increasingly become part of wellness and fitness programmes across various armed forces because of its proven benefits for flexibility, balance, stress management and mental clarity. For submariners who often operate in confined environments and high-pressure conditions, practices that improve focus and emotional resilience can be particularly valuable.The underwater session also demonstrated the importance of controlled breathing and calmness under challenging circumstances, both of which are critical skills in naval operations.India celebrates 12th International Day of YogaThe underwater event was one of many Yoga Day celebrations held across the country as India observed the 12th International Day of Yoga. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined a large gathering on Kolkata's Red Road and highlighted yoga's growing global influence.An exceptional Yoga Day programme was held at Kolkata’s Red Road this morning, in which people from all walks of life participated, giving an important message on the vitality of Yoga in everyone’s lives. This time, the theme was ‘Yoga For Healthy Ageing’ which emphasised the… pic.twitter.com/XHd4pyK46f— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2026 Addressing participants, he said yoga has evolved into “the world’s largest community celebration” and emphasised this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”The Prime Minister also spoke about the long-term benefits of regular yoga practice, stating that people should aim to remain more flexible at 40 than they were at 20, and more energetic at 50 than they were at 30.Yoga Day 2026 themeThe theme for International Day of Yoga 2026 focuses on the role of yoga in promoting healthy ageing and overall well-being. It highlights how regular practice can contribute to physical fitness, mental wellness, emotional strength and a better quality of life throughout different stages of life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi championed yoga as a unifying force during International Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata. He emphasized its role in promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being for all ages, particularly highlighting 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing.' The Prime Minister urged making yoga a way of life, not just an annual event, and thanked Kolkata for its hospitality and cleanliness efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga at Red Road in Kolkata. Today, the 12th edition of International Yoga Day is being observed across the country and around the world under the theme of 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing.' During the event, PM Modi addressed the nation and highlighted the role of yoga in our lives. He also emphasised how the date, which marks the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, has evolved into a global celebration of health, harmony, and well-being through yoga.“June 21 marks longest day on Earth, it has now become largest community celebration day because of yoga.”- PM Modi on International Yoga Day in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/rUcsHYyx3e— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) June 21, 2026 PM Modi led International Yoga Day at Red RoadPrime Minister Modi led International Yoga Day 2026 in the early morning on Sunday at Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal. Speaking during the nationwide celebrations, Modi noted that June 21 holds special significance because it is the longest day of the year for many parts of the world. He said that over the years, the date has also become the largest community celebration day, thanks to the growing popularity of yoga across continents.#WATCH | पश्चिम बंगाल | प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी कोलकाता के रेड रोड पर आयोजित 12वें अंतर्राष्ट्रीय योग दिवस कार्यक्रम में शामिल हुए।(सोर्स: DD) pic.twitter.com/979D0JFxGd— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) June 21, 2026 PM Modi on Summer SolsticeAddressing the public during the International Yoga Day event at Red Road in Kolkata, the PM said, "The day of June 21 is the longest day of the year on Earth."He further said, "June 21 marks the longest day on Earth; it has now become the largest community celebration day because of yoga."He also underlined yoga's role in promoting healthy lifestyles at a time when the world faces rising stress levels and lifestyle-related health challenges. He said yoga offers a simple yet effective path towards physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.VIDEO | PM Modi leads International Day of Yoga celebrations, performing yoga asanas alongside thousands of people at Kolkata's Red Road.This year’s theme is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlighting the role of yoga in promoting physical health, mental well-being, emotional… pic.twitter.com/xiivsQOScg— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 21, 2026 Yoga was first observed in 2015International Yoga Day was first observed in 2015 after the United Nations adopted India's proposal to dedicate June 21 to yoga. Since then, participation has expanded dramatically, with mass yoga sessions being organised in cities, towns, schools, community centres, and public spaces around the world.When Is International Yoga Day 2026? Know Date, Origin And Why It Is Celebrated In The World Summer SolsticeThe summer solstice occurs when the Earth’s axial tilt is most inclined towards the Sun, positioning the Sun directly over the Tropic of Cancer. This results in the longest period of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2026, the summer solstice falls on June 21.During this time, countries like India, the U.S., and much of Europe experience the highest number of sunlight hours. After this day, daylight hours gradually begin to shorten until the winter solstice in December