Yoga Day 2026 at a glance
| Date | 21 June 2026 (Sunday). Held on 21 June every year. |
|---|---|
| Edition | 12th International Day of Yoga |
| Theme | Yoga for Healthy Ageing |
| Main national event | Red Road, Kolkata, led by the Prime Minister |
| Practice followed | The Common Yoga Protocol (about 45 minutes) |
| Next Yoga Day | Monday, 21 June 2027 |
Making a poster or project for Yoga Day? Download a free Yoga Day poster, or use the theme above and simple pose drawings from our yoga poses with pictures page.
How it began
In September 2014, in his address to the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed an international day for yoga. On 11 December 2014 the General Assembly adopted resolution 69/131, proclaiming 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. The draft was endorsed by a record 175 member states.
The first celebration, on 21 June 2015, was led from Rajpath in New Delhi, where 35,985 people practised together, setting Guinness World Records for the largest yoga lesson and the most nationalities in one (84).
Why 21 June?
21 June is usually the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In Indian tradition, the period around the solstice marks the sun's turn towards the south (Dakshinayana), which many teachers see as a time that supports inner practice. The date is also convenient: long daylight hours and, in much of India, early mornings before the monsoon sets in fully.
Main events and themes, year by year
| Year | Main event in India | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Rajpath, New Delhi | The first International Day of Yoga |
| 2016 | Chandigarh | - |
| 2017 | Lucknow | Yoga for Health |
| 2018 | Forest Research Institute, Dehradun | Yoga for Peace |
| 2019 | Ranchi | - |
| 2020 | Celebrated mostly at home due to the pandemic | Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family |
| 2021 | Largely online | Yoga for Wellness |
| 2022 | Mysore Palace, Mysuru | Yoga for Humanity |
| 2023 | UN Headquarters, New York, led by the Prime Minister | Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam |
| 2024 | Dal Lake, Srinagar | Yoga for Self and Society |
| 2025 | Visakhapatnam | Yoga for One Earth, One Health |
| 2026 | Red Road, Kolkata | Yoga for Healthy Ageing |
Read about yoga in some of these host cities: Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Dehradun, Mysore and Kolkata.
The Common Yoga Protocol
Most Yoga Day events follow the Common Yoga Protocol, a 45-minute sequence prepared by the Ministry of Ayush so that people everywhere can practise together. It includes:
- A prayer and loosening practicesGentle neck, shoulder, trunk and knee movements.
- Standing posesIncluding Tadasana and Vrikshasana.
- Sitting posesIncluding Vajrasana and Shashankasana.
- Lying posesOn the belly and on the back, ending in Shavasana.
- Breathing and meditationKapalbhati, Anulom Vilom and Bhramari, then a short meditation and a closing resolve.
How to take part
- At home: follow the Common Yoga Protocol with your family, or do a 20-minute routine from our yoga at home guide.
- In your society or park: many housing societies and parks host free morning sessions. Ask your RWA, or organise one with a local teacher.
- At work: a 15-minute desk session for your team. See yoga for office workers.
- At school or college: short group sessions with simple poses and breathing.
- At a yoga center: many centers run free or special sessions around 21 June. Find one in our directory.
- Keep going after the day: use our 30-day plan to turn one morning into a habit.
Safety at large events
- Eat lightly and drink water; June mornings can be hot and humid in much of India.
- Bring your own mat, a cap and a towel.
- Skip any pose that hurts, and Kapalbhati if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease or a hernia.
- If you have a health condition, follow your doctor's advice. Read our yoga safety tips.
International Yoga Day: common questions
When is International Yoga Day?
Every year on 21 June.
Who started International Yoga Day?
India proposed it at the UN General Assembly in September 2014, and the UN adopted resolution 69/131 on 11 December 2014.
Why is Yoga Day celebrated on 21 June?
21 June is usually the summer solstice, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, a date with special meaning in yoga tradition.
When is International Yoga Day 2027?
On Monday, 21 June 2027. The theme is usually announced by the Ministry of Ayush in the months before.
What was the theme of International Yoga Day 2026?
Yoga for Healthy Ageing. The main national event was held at Red Road in Kolkata.
What is the Common Yoga Protocol?
A 45-minute sequence of loosening practices, poses, breathing and meditation prepared by the Ministry of Ayush for Yoga Day.
When was the first International Yoga Day?
21 June 2015, with the main event at Rajpath, New Delhi.
Can beginners join Yoga Day events?
Yes. The Common Yoga Protocol is designed for beginners. Skip anything that does not suit you.
Sources
Last updated 24 October 2026. This guide is for general education and is not medical advice.