International Yoga Day 2026, 21st June: Theme, Activity and History

International Day of Yoga 2026 will be celebrated on 21 June, bringing together people from all over the world to practise yoga and promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. First observed in 2015, this annual event has grown consistently, with millions of participants from different countries, cultures and age groups joining each year.

The purpose of Yoga Day is to remind individuals of yoga’s physical, mental and spiritual benefits. Across the globe, early morning sessions take place in public parks, yoga studios, schools, offices and homes. Whether led by experts or organised locally, these events help raise awareness about the value of regular yoga practice.

In 2026, the world will celebrate the 12th edition of International Day of Yoga. Activities and workshops are expected to take place in both physical and digital formats, making yoga accessible to everyone—from beginners learning basic postures to experienced practitioners deepening their meditation practice. The larger aim is to encourage people to integrate yoga into daily life and experience improvements in their health, mindfulness and emotional well-being.

Every year, International Yoga Day carries a specific theme that guides planning and participation. The theme for 2026 focuses on strengthening personal well-being while promoting a healthier and more mindful society.

Theme for International Day of Yoga 2026

The proposed theme for International Day of Yoga 2026 is “Yoga for Wellness, Wisdom & World Peace.” This theme connects yoga with three meaningful goals in today’s world: staying healthy, thinking clearly, and living together peacefully.

• Wellness: Yoga for Better Health: “Wellness” highlights how yoga supports physical fitness, emotional balance, and mental clarity. In a time when people face stress, anxiety, and lifestyle-related diseases, yoga provides an easy and effective way to improve overall well-being for people of all ages.
• Wisdom: Yoga for Inner Understanding: “Wisdom” refers to the self-awareness and mindful living that yoga cultivates. Beyond physical postures, yoga teaches us how to calm the mind, manage emotions, think clearly, and make better choices in daily life.
• World Peace: Yoga for Harmony and Unity: “World Peace” reflects yoga’s universal message- unity, respect, and coexistence. When individuals become calmer and more mindful, relationships improve, and communities become more peaceful.

Focus of Yoga Day Events in 2026: In 2026, Yoga Day events are expected to include:

• Gentle yoga sessions for beginners
• Mindfulness and meditation workshops
• Breathing exercises for stress relief
• Community yoga gatherings for all age groups

The aim is to make yoga accessible and help people adopt it as a regular habit.

Why This Theme Matters: This theme reminds us that real peace begins from within. By caring for our own health and mind, we contribute to a healthier and more peaceful world.

Theme for 2025: Yoga for One Earth One Health

The theme for International Day of Yoga 2025 is “Yoga for One Earth One Health.” Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Mann Ki Baat address on 30 March 2025, this theme highlights the link between personal well-being and the health of the planet.

Yoga promotes harmony not only within the body and mind, but also in our daily relationship with nature. With growing concerns about climate change, environmental pollution and lifestyle diseases, this theme encourages people to practise yoga regularly to support both individual wellness and a healthy planet.

The Ministry of Ayush has planned special programmes under the initiative Yoga Samavesh, focusing on groups such as:

• Senior citizens
• People with diabetes
• Pregnant women
• Individuals in drug rehabilitation

This effort aims to make yoga more inclusive and improve quality of life in different communities.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the increasing global interest in yoga. He mentioned organisations like Somos India, which reached over 9,000 people with yoga and Ayurveda activities in Spanish-speaking regions.

This theme reminds us that taking care of our own health also protects the Earth. As the world prepares for Yoga Day 2025, the message is simple and powerful: practising yoga supports personal well-being and helps create a healthier, sustainable future for all.

International Yoga Day 2024 Theme: Yoga for Women Empowerment

The theme for International Yoga Day 2024, “Yoga for Women Empowerment,” focuses on leveraging yoga as a means to improve women’s health and well-being. This theme underscores the role of yoga in addressing various health conditions that affect women, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and stress, and emphasizes the importance of women’s health across all ages and circumstances.

International Day of Yoga Logo

On 29 April 2015, India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and the Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Shripad Yesso Naik, officially launched the logo for the International Day of Yoga (IDY).

The logo was created by an 18-member team from the New Delhi-based Panchtatva Advertising agency. To encourage wider public involvement, ideas and suggestions were invited from people across different sectors and backgrounds.

After reviewing the submitted designs, the final logo was selected by the Ministry of AYUSH and approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The logo symbolises the core message of yoga the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. It visually represents the harmony between mind, body, and nature, which lies at the heart of yoga practice.

Color patterning and symbolism of the logo define the very core essence of ancient yogic knowledge. Understand it in this way.

1. White Background of Logo – White represents the universal consciousness. The logo is inscribed itself on the white background. It means whatever we are doing in yoga, unites us with the Universal Consciousness.
2. Joining Hands – Human art having joined hands represents a state of harmony between the mind, body & soul.
3. 2 Pairs of Leaves – Brown leaves represent – Earth while Green – Nature. It means yoga helps us to be grounded.
4.  Human Art & Orange Halo – As human art filled with blue color, it represents how our body made up of excessive water (blue color). The orange shade of halo represents fire elements. As fire is the source of ultimate energy, it has given the first place in logo.
5. Globe Behind Human Art – It symbolizes oneness and unity among all the people around the globe.
6. Words in Logo – it represents the real purpose of yoga, i.e., why yoga masters spread it in the west “yoga for harmony and peace.”

International Yoga Day 2023 Theme

The theme for International Yoga Day 2023 was Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which reflects the ancient Indian philosophy that “the world is one family.” This theme emphasised unity, compassion, and collective well-being through the practice of yoga.

By adopting this theme, the 2023 celebration encouraged individuals to see beyond boundaries and recognise the interconnectedness of all life. It highlighted how yoga can foster mutual respect, harmony, and sustainable living by aligning our actions with global peace and shared responsibility.

Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam served as a reminder that personal well-being is deeply connected to the well-being of others and the planet.

International Yoga Day 2022 Theme

Yoga Day 2022 theme is “Yoga for Humanity”, prime minister Modi announced on his radio programme Mann Ki Baat on 30th May.

The Union Ministry of Ayush set Yoga Day 2022 theme “Yoga for Humanity” focusing on how Yoga has served humanity all over the world mitigating suffering during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Indeed, it made everyone realise the importance of yoga during and post-Covid times to bring people together and promote a sense of unity across the globe.

Event

The main event of International yoga day 2022 will take place in Mysuru, Karnataka, on June 21, 2022. Likewise previous years, enthusiastic yogis and yoga gurus have already started planning to join the main event for different yoga activities.

The Union Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with its many contributors, has devised a 100-day countdown plan for the 8th International Day of Yoga, in which 100 organizations promote yoga in 100 locations/cities.

Focusing on the theme of serving humanity, the ministry has designed programmes for the specially-abled population, transgenders, women and children. Through the 2022 yoga day event, the ministry is especially expecting village population to take part as local service centres are promoting awareness about yoga.

Because the 8th International Day of Yoga falls within the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” year, the ministry has recommended that IDY 2022 be commemorated at 75 famous locations around the country.

This year’s Guardian Ring event will take place on June 21st. It will be a marathon Yoga streaming event, with the initial proposal starting at 6 a.m. local time in Japan and capturing the digital feed of activities organized by Indian Missions around the world.

History of International Yoga Day

International day of yoga (IDY) is also commonly known as Yoga Day. From 2014 onwards, every year IDY is celebrated on the 21st June. 

The proposal for IDY was made by the current prime minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi. On September 27th, 2014, He proposed the idea of celebrating 21st June as yoga day in front of the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA).

In the words of Mr Modi at UNGA,

Yoga is not merely a physical exercise but also helps us to discover the sense of oneness with ourself. Let we should work towards adopting a day on the name of Yogic practice i.e., International day of Yoga.

Indeed, Yoga is a primordial practise that mentally, physically, and spiritually provides energy in the form of calmness, courage, peace, and enthusiasm to the people. This energy people can utilize in doing their activities more vibrantly.

Declaration of 21st June as IDY

 After the proposal made by the Indian Prime minister Mr Narendra Modi at UNGA, the declaration took place on December 11, 2014. The announcement of the IDY had an immense impact on the history of India.

Even in the history of UNGA resolution, not any single draft before adopted with this much support. One hundred seventy-seven nations supported the idea of celebrating 21st June as an international day of yoga. It was the maximum support ever any resolution has received before and therefore, unanimously United nations general assembly declared 21st June as ‘International Day of Yoga.’  

The International day of yoga day aims to raise awareness globally regarding the benefits of the pre-Vedic practice of ancient India. Yoga includes mindful breathing(Pranayama), meditation, and physical exercises like Asanas.

Why 21st June is celebrated as International Yoga Day?

Prime minister Modi further gave the reason behind proposing 21st June as International Yoga Day. He said,

21st of June is the longest day in the northern hemisphere (shortest in the southern hemisphere). Also, In yogic perspective, second full moon after 21st June was the day when Shiva (First Yogi) begun profounding Knowledge of Yoga to mankind.   

21st June is also known as the June solstice. The June solstice is the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere and the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. Scientifically, the sun reaches its highest point during its path this day, and therefore, the earth’s axis is more inclined towards the sun. It makes this day longer than a typical day. Hence, From the perspective of yoga, this time is better for meditation also.

International Yoga Day 2021

The International Yoga Day 2021 was organized virtually owing to the COVID-19. The Union Ministry of AYUSH hosted the event, which began at 6:30 a.m with an address by PM Narendra Modi.

The year 2021 theme of Yoga Day was “Yoga for wellness”.

The Ministry of AYUSH launched various programs to increase participation in the 7th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2021) such as:

• Yoga Training: Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) and Yoga Volunteer Training (YVT) Course – To develop and disseminate knowledge and practice of Yoga among the people organized in collaboration with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga. It was broadcast live in English and Hindi on the MoA and MDNIY Facebook pages.
• Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards (PMYA) – Award for outstanding contribution towards the promotion and development of Yoga.
• “Yoga & Me” Photography Contest – Post a photo of themselves doing their favorite Yogasanas (yoga postures) along with a brief description.
• IDY Jingle Contest – Participants must submit a 25-30 second screenplay and jingle in any official language listed in the Indian constitution, English, and other UN languages. It should be simple to understand and connect with the general population. The winner will receive a cash award of INR 25,000.
• IDY Discussion – Inviting suggestions for how people might participate in IDY 2021 at home with friends and family while also mobilizing the larger community.
• IDY Quiz Contest – Access the quiz than through the MyGov platform from May 1, 2021, through July 31, 2021. Within 450 seconds, participants will be expected to answer 10 questions. Each participant will receive an e-certificate indicating their participation and completion upon successful completion.
• IDY Pledge – Take the Yoga Pledge to make Yoga a regular part of their lives.
• Yoga Survey/Poll – Citizens’ perceptions of Yoga and the extent of IDY awareness and observance among citizens were the subjects of a survey.

International Yoga Day 2020

This year’s 6th International yoga day will be celebrated on 21st June.

This year Coronavirus has affected all of us in some way, and our yoga studios shifted to home on smartphones and TVs. Amidst social distancing measures, yoga day will be celebrated this year in the home itself. United Nations has decided the theme of 2020 International yoga day “Yoga for Health – Yoga at Home”.

During this challenging time of COVID-19 pandemic, studies have shown how the number of people suffering from depression, anxiety, and fear has risen. Yoga is helping peoples all around the globe to stay fit and healthy at home.

On encouraging this theme, the World Health Organization has stated in its “Global action plan on physical activity 2018–2030: more active people for a healthier world yoga as a means to improve health.

How International Yoga Day 2020 Will be Celebrated?

Every year people all across the world are encouraged to follow the ‘Common Yoga Protocol (CYP)’ program designed by the Ministry of Ayush, India. This program comprises simple yoga practices that can be done by any age group people to improve their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Here is the last year’s common yoga protocol:

This year United Nations has started a virtual event to celebrate yoga day with peoples around the globe.

International Day of Yoga 2019

The 5th annual IDY celebrated on Friday 21st June 2019.

The theme of International Day of Yoga 2019 – In the year 2019, the United Nation has decided, yoga will celebrate on the Theme of ‘Climate Action.’ The change in climate is affecting all people around the globe, and having understanding the core meaning of yoga can prevent climate change.

The way practicing asanas brings equanimity between body and mind. In the same way, the overall practice of yoga creates a harmonic connection between our body and nature. Reckless human activities are causing harm and destruction to the planet, which causes changes in the climate.

Therefore the UN has decided to spread awareness regarding climate change by practicing yoga. It solely connects our body with nature therein provoking environmental friendly activities.

Planning for IDY 2019

Governments around the world are planning to organize a large gathering for people to practice yoga. To support the theme of 2019 yoga day, Department of AYUSH (India) has planned to organize yoga gathering at the lap of nature.

The Venue of IDY 2019

In India, IDY 2019 will be celebrated at Prabhat Tara, Ranchi, Jharkhand on 21st June . PM Modi will lead this event and 30,000 yoga enthusiasts expected in the main mass yoga demonstration event. On 13th June at Ranchi, in presence of several State Dignitaries, there will be Curtain raiser event to the main event.

Apart from Jharkhand, Patanjali Yogapeeth had reported organizing some significant events around the different states of India. These events for IDY 2019 will be held in some big states of India, namely Maharashtra and Haryana.

Also, in the Islands of Lakshadweep, there will be a mass demonstration of yoga at Kavaratti.

Activities on Yoga Day 2019

Preparation for yoga day 2019 has begun with the announcement of certain advanced activities which the Indian Government has organized. It consists of a 5-day Trainers Training Programme on Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). This program is to prepare participants for the IDY event.

The event activities on 21st June 2019 would cycle rally for youth, seminars, workshops, musical chair and cultural programs on Yoga. To publish this event with a broad audience, banners, posters will publicly be added to the atmosphere. The mass yoga demonstrations will begin at 7 a.m. on 21st June as per the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) and will end in one hour.

International Day of Yoga 2018

The fourth International yoga day celebrated on the 21st of June 2018.     

1. Highlights – This time again prime minister Modi celebrated this event with 50,000 volunteers. Also, in Kota Rajasthan, 100,000 yoga practitioners gathered in a yoga session and established the Guinness World.

2. Location – PM Modi celebrated International day of yoga 2018 at ‘forest research institute’ in Dehradun.

3. Theme – “Yoga for Peace”

International Day of Yoga 2017

The third International yoga day celebrated on 21st June 2017. 

1. Highlights – While creating more new records for Indian history, People from 150 countries participated in this event. The total number of participants gathered at Lucknow to practice yoga was 51,000. Also, 10,000 people had done group yoga in the city of Wuxi (China).

2. Location – The event took place in different cities around the world. In India, the celebration held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. In China, People gathered in a city called Wuxi. 

3. Theme – Theme of international yoga day 2015 was “Yoga for health.”

International Day of Yoga 2016

2nd International yoga day also celebrated with the same enthusiasm all around the world.

1. Highlights – PM Modi gathered in a mass yoga demonstration of 30,000 people along with 100 differently-abled (Divyangs) children.

2. Location – International yoga day 2016 celebrated at the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh.

3. Theme – Theme of international yoga day 2015 was “Connect the Youth.”

International Day of Yoga 2015

The first International yoga day celebrated on the 21st of June 2015 in different countries. People gathered in large numbers on some parks and monuments and practiced yoga in a group.

Here are some brief points which cover the information about IDY 2015.

1. Highlights – In this event, along with Priminister Modi, 35,985 people practiced 21 asanas for 35 minutes altogether at one place.
This event had established two Guinness World Records.

• the largest yoga class
• most significant number of nationalist participated from the 84 countries of the world

United nations also celebrated the IDY. UN secretary Ban Ki-moon also mediated and practiced some asanas under the instructions of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

2. Location – International yoga day 2015 celebrated at Rajpath in New Delhi. 

3. Theme – Theme of IDY 2015 was “Yoga for Harmony and Peace.”

Conclusion

IDY is celebrated widely and supported by global leaders. Thus the event is celebrated in more than 170 countries including Canada, USA, China, etc.

It is celebrated on a global level by organizing various activities like yoga camps, competitions, workshops, training fields, and many more to provide awareness among the common public about the importance of yoga.

This event is celebrated with such enthusiasm to make people aware that regular practice of yoga leads to mental, physical, and intellectual health. It helps to refine the lifestyle with positive changes.