Khajuraho, May 27 (IANS). Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav has announced during the ‘Yoga Mahotsav 2026’ in the tourist city of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, that the main function of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 will be organized on June 21 in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Union AYUSH Minister Jadhav said that this year’s theme has been ‘Yoga for Healthy Old Age’, which underlines the important role of Yoga in physical health, mental balance and healthy lifestyle.
‘Yoga Mahotsav 2026’ organized at the Western Group Temple Complex of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the beginning of the countdown. Thousands of yoga practitioners collectively demonstrated the Common Yoga Protocol in this program organized by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of AYUSH.
Addressing the gathering, Jadhav said that Kolkata, rich in India’s traditional heritage and spiritual consciousness, will host the main event of IDY 2026. The theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ reflects the growing relevance of Yoga for overall health and balanced living as we age. Khajuraho, with its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, symbolizes the synthesis of India’s ancient traditions and wellness culture, and has immense potential to become a global yoga and wellness centre.
He said that it is necessary to make Yoga a part of daily life and as per the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of AYUSH is continuously making efforts to take Yoga to every village, every home, schools, offices and communities.
Emphasizing the importance of preventive healthcare, he said that initiatives like Yoga and ‘AYUSH Diet’ promote balanced nutrition, disciplined lifestyle and overall health.
On this occasion, the Union Minister re-launched the ‘Yoga Sangam Portal’ to facilitate online registration and increase public participation in IDY 2026 and launched the ‘Yoga Park Portal’ to promote the development of dedicated yoga spaces in states and institutions.
He also unveiled new Yoga T-shirts carrying the message of Yoga, Health and Wellness and informed that more than two lakh people have received ‘Yoga Mitra’ certification by participating in the 100-day free yoga training program organized under the ‘Yoga 365 Campaign’.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, while participating in the program through virtual medium, said in his message that Yoga and Khajuraho are integral symbols of India’s cultural heritage.
Khajuraho Lok Sabha constituency MP Vishnu Dutt Sharma said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yoga has become a global health and wellness movement and today it is being practiced in about 190 countries.
–IANS
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