PM Modi Leads International Yoga Day Event In Kolkata, Says It Has Become 'World's Biggest Festival'

Published 21 June 2026 · local

PM Modi Leads International Yoga Day Event In Kolkata, Says It Has Become 'World's Biggest Festival' Published By, Last Updated: June 21, 2026, 06:59 IST

PM Modi Leads International Yoga Day Event In Kolkata, Says It Has Become 'World's Biggest Festival' Published By, Last Updated: June 21, 2026, 06:59 IST PM Modi said June 21 has become the world's largest collective celebration, as millions across India and abroad marked International Yoga Day. Rapid Read PM Narendra Modi leads International Yoga Day event in Kolkata (Video screengrab/ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the International Day of Yoga has evolved into the world’s biggest festival, as he led the nation in observing the 12th International Day of Yoga from Kolkata’s Red Road. Addressing a large gathering during the celebrations, PM Modi highlighted the global participation in Yoga Day events and said the occasion has grown into a massive collective movement that transcends national boundaries. “Yoga day has become the world’s biggest festival, visuals are coming from different parts of the world," the Prime Minister said while addressing the gathering.

He noted that June 21 holds special significance as it is the longest day of the year in several parts of the world. The Prime Minister said the date has acquired an additional global identity because of the International Day of Yoga. “June 21, in some parts of the Earth, is the day with the longest duration of daylight in the year. And because of International Yoga Day, this day, June 21, has also become the day of the world’s largest collective celebration," he said. Emphasising yoga’s ability to connect people across regions and cultures, the Prime Minister said, “Yoga unites us. I congratulate everyone on Yog Diwas." He also praised a civic initiative undertaken in Kolkata and said it could serve as an example for others. “I congratulate Kolkata for their Swachta se Swagat initiative. This is an inspiration for everyone," PM Modi said. Speaking about the enthusiasm surrounding Yoga Day celebrations across India, the Prime Minister said the spirit of yoga was visible throughout the country.

“In India, from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, from the Northeast and Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west, the entire country seems to be filled with the energy of yoga," he said. This year’s International Day of Yoga is being observed under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing", which highlights yoga’s role in promoting physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience and active ageing. According to an official statement, PM Modi participated in the common yoga protocol session along with thousands of yoga practitioners at Red Road in central Kolkata. Yoga Day celebrations are being organised at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with participation from more than 210 Indian missions and posts. Since the International Day of Yoga was first observed in 2015, following the adoption of India’s proposal by the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister has led celebrations from various locations in India and abroad. This year’s event in Kolkata marked the 12th edition of the global observance.