Narendra Modi was among those who attended the International Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata on Saturday, describing yoga as the “world’s biggest festival” and highlighting its importance to physical well-being, mental health and global unity.
In front of thousands of yoga lovers, students, professionals, and citizens who came for the event, Modi said yoga has evolved from a traditional Indian practice to a global movement and is now accepted by people of all cultures, religions and nationalities.
As the Prime Minister said, International Yoga Day, celebrated annually on June 21, is a day of great growth for the world that has not only been recognised since it was first observed and funded by the United Nations, but also since India’s proposal to incorporate yoga in 2014 was introduced on June 21, 2014. He added that yoga is now an international link linking millions of people who are committed to health and peace, and it is a way to connect millions of people around the world to know that yoga is a tool for health and harmony.
"Yoga has become the world’s biggest festival. It’s not exercise, it is a way of life that teaches balance, discipline and inner peace,” Modi said.
The Kolkata event featured mass yoga demonstrations, guided classes and participation from people of all age groups. Officials, social groups, educational institutions and fitness enthusiasts came to celebrate yoga with the popularity of yoga in India.
Modi said yoga was a solution to a lot of today’s problems - stress, anxiety, lifestyle health problems. He suggested that people incorporate yoga into their daily lives and explained how regular practice will not only help in building stamina but also emotional resolve.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing global acceptance of yoga, saying that millions of people in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas and Oceania are taking part in Yoga Day every year. Yoga is one of India’s major advancements in global wellness and preventive healthcare, he said.
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The entire nation, world, seems connected. This is the power of yoga. Yoga connects everyone, brings everyone together. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the entire world, to the entire human… pic.twitter.com/wD9rRYWsSq
— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026
International Yoga Day 2026 saw the launch of community events, public demonstrations and awareness programs to spread yoga beyond India and the world. This year, the focus for us was on holistic health, sustainable living, peace of mind and body.
During his speech, Modi stressed that yoga is not just physical activity but a whole philosophy, encompassing more than just physical action. He said that yoga is about self-awareness, mindfulness and a positive lifestyle. It is about yoga that includes self-awareness, mindfulness and good living. It is for younger generations who have to get started on discovering yoga as a lifelong practice, as it can help build a healthier world and a healthier society.
The Kolkata event concluded with a huge yoga session led by trained instructors, and asanas and breathing exercises were performed by various people. India's global positioning of yoga continued to be a manifestation of wellness, unity and cultural heritage, and that is why so many people were so proud to come together in that celebration.
As the International Yoga Day continues to grow globally, India is at the forefront of promoting the use of yoga as a health and peace tool as much as ever and PM Modi is once again bringing yoga into the public consciousness.
