The Yoga Institute International Day of Yoga 2026
The Yoga Institute marks International Day of Yoga with a nationwide focus on healthy ageing
The Yoga Institute (TYI) in Santacruz, Mumbai, marked the 12th International Day of Yoga with a series of programmes held across India, bringing together participants from government offices, defence establishments, educational institutions, corporate workplaces and community groups. The activities were organised around this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, which has been widely adopted across International Day of Yoga events in 2026.
The celebrations reflected the growing emphasis on yoga as a tool for maintaining physical fitness, mental well-being and independence as people grow older. Across the country, public authorities, educational institutions and healthcare advocates used the occasion to encourage regular yoga practice as part of a healthier lifestyle.
Founded in 1918 by Shri Yogendra, The Yoga Institute is recognised as one of the world’s oldest organised yoga centres. Based in Mumbai’s Santacruz area, the institution has played a significant role in bringing yoga beyond traditional ashram settings and into homes, schools, workplaces and public institutions. Over more than a century, it has expanded its reach through teacher training programmes, publications and community initiatives. The institute has also received national recognition, including the Prime Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Yoga.
The International Day of Yoga itself has grown into a global observance since the United Nations adopted India’s proposal in 2014. The first celebration was held on 21 June 2015. Since then, millions of people in countries across the world have participated annually in yoga sessions, public demonstrations and wellness campaigns.
This year’s focus on healthy ageing comes at a time when many countries, including India, are paying greater attention to age-related health challenges. Public health experts have increasingly highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare, physical activity and stress management in helping people maintain quality of life in later years.
Speaking during the celebrations, Dr Hansaji Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute, said: “Ageing is a natural process, but decline is not. Through yoga, we can maintain strength in the body, clarity in the mind, balance in the emotions, and joy in the heart. Healthy ageing is not about adding years to life alone; it is about adding vitality, independence, and purpose to every year of life.”
The institute reported that its programmes reached participants in multiple cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur and Bhubaneswar. Activities were designed for people from different age groups and professional backgrounds, reflecting yoga’s growing role in workplace wellness, education and community health.
Among the major events was a three-day online yoga festival held from 19 to 21 June. The digital programme attracted participants from India and overseas and featured sessions on meditation, nutrition, stress management and sound healing. Speakers included ISKCON monk Gauranga Das Ji, nutrition expert Ryan Fernando, holistic health practitioner Mickey Mehta and senior teachers from The Yoga Institute.
The online format highlighted a wider trend that has emerged in recent years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, yoga organisations across the world have increasingly adopted digital platforms to reach audiences who may not have access to in-person classes. Virtual sessions have helped extend participation beyond major urban centres and enabled international engagement.
In Mumbai, one of the largest gatherings took place at Bandra Reclamation, where thousands participated in a community yoga session led by Dr Hansaji Yogendra. The programme was attended by Ashish Shelar, Cabinet Minister in the Government of Maharashtra, and wellness advocate Terence Lewis.
Another large event, titled “Yoga by the Bay”, was organised at Marine Drive in association with The Times of India, Shaina NC and Mickey Mehta. The sunrise session drew thousands of participants. Among those present were Union ministers Anupriya Patel, Jitin Prasada and Jayant Chaudhary.
The involvement of elected representatives and public figures reflected how International Day of Yoga has become a major public outreach platform since its launch more than a decade ago. Across India this year, mass yoga events were organised by state governments, educational institutions, armed forces units and local authorities.
The Yoga Institute also expanded its programmes through partnerships with public institutions and security organisations. Sessions were conducted at Maharashtra Mantralaya, the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), Mumbai International Airport terminals, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
The inclusion of defence and security personnel follows a broader trend in which yoga is increasingly used to support stress management, concentration and physical conditioning. Military organisations in India have regularly participated in International Day of Yoga activities over the past decade.
Educational outreach formed another major part of the celebrations. Programmes were organised in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation schools and colleges, including Mithibai College, NMIMS, Chetana College and Thakur College. Students were introduced to yoga practices aimed at improving focus, self-discipline and overall well-being.
Many schools and universities across India now include yoga sessions as part of wellness and physical education activities. Education experts have argued that structured yoga practice can help students manage academic pressure while encouraging healthier daily habits.
Corporate participation was also significant. Wellness sessions were organised for employees of ONGC, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Mazagon Dock and Tata Care. The institute also partnered with Macleods Pharmaceuticals to conduct yoga programmes across multiple cities.
Corporate wellness initiatives have gained momentum in India as employers look for ways to address workplace stress, sedentary lifestyles and mental health concerns. Yoga programmes have become a common feature of employee engagement and wellness campaigns in both public and private sector organisations.
Community outreach extended beyond institutional settings. Sessions were held at post offices, including the General Post Office in Mumbai, as well as facilities in Mahim, Mumbai Central and Vile Parle. Additional programmes were conducted with the Chandok Group in Borivali, Andheri and Chembur, bringing activities closer to local neighbourhoods.
According to the institute, its work over the years has reached more than 10 crore people. It states that more than 100,000 certified yoga teachers have been trained through its programmes. The organisation also reports publishing over a thousand books and building a digital community of more than 10 million people worldwide.
As yoga continues to gain international recognition, organisations such as The Yoga Institute remain part of a larger movement that seeks to connect traditional practices with modern health needs. This year’s celebrations placed particular attention on ageing populations, a subject expected to remain a major focus for healthcare systems and wellness programmes in the years ahead.
The events held across India during the 12th International Day of Yoga demonstrated how yoga has moved beyond specialised practice and become part of public health, education, workplace wellness and community engagement. For many participants, the message of the day was straightforward: maintaining health in later life depends not only on medical care but also on daily habits that support physical and mental well-being.
