Yoga has become world’s largest community celebration, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 21, 2026) said yoga unites and brings everyone together, and has become the world’s largest community celebration.

“June 21, in some parts of the Earth marks the longest day, and because of International Yoga Day, this day has also become the day of the world’s largest collective celebration,” the Prime Minister said participating at an event on International Yoga Day in Kolkata.

Follow LIVE updates on International Yoga Day 2026 here

Mr. Modi, who participated in yoga along with a crowd of 35,000 people on Kolkata’s Red Road, referred to Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Maharshi Aurobindo, and Lahiri Mahasaya, stating that they took the “yoga tradition to new heights”.

Observing that the sense of connection is the very essence of yoga, the Prime Minister stated that the whole country and the entire world seem connected to one another, which is the true power of yoga.

In September 2014, Mr. Modi proposed at the United Nations to celebrate June 21 as International Yoga Day. On December 11, 2014, the UN officially declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, with support from 193 member states and 173 co-sponsors. Since then, Yoga Day is celebrated worldwide every year.

During the Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata, the Prime Minister was seen interacting with the people and correcting the postures of some of them.

Referring to this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, Mr. Modi said the ancient practice plays a crucial role in promoting physical health, mental well-being and active ageing, thereby improving the quality of life.

Highlighting the benefits of yoga, the Prime Minister said the practice teaches us to be lifelong learners regarding our own bodies and minds.

“Our goal should be to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20; more energetic at 50 than we were at 30. It helps tune our bodies for flexibility, maintains high energy level,” he said.

The Prime Minister also urged people that they should not restrict yoga to only particular occasions, and it must be made part of people’s lives.

“Let us pledge not to limit yoga to just one day or a single event. Let us make yoga an integral part of our lives, our families, and the lives of future generations,” he said.

This was the first occasion that International Yoga Day celebrations were observed in Kolkata with lot of fanfare. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and several other BJP leaders and Ministers were present at Yoga Day celebrations. The venue of the Yoga Day and the Kolkata riverfront were decked up over the past several days. Screens live-streaming the event on Red Road were set up in several parts of the city since Sunday (June 21) morning.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my brothers and sisters in Kolkata for being such extraordinary hosts for this year’s International Yoga Day event. Celebrating International Yoga Day in such a vibrant city is truly an honour,” the Prime Minister posted on social media. He also praised a citywide cleanliness drive was held and called it inspiring.