India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Sunday described the International Day of Yoga as the world’s largest festival, highlighting its remarkable global reach as he led the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations from Kolkata’s iconic Red Road.
Addressing a massive gathering, the Prime Minister said the annual observance has transformed into a global movement that unites people across countries and cultures.
Referring to celebrations taking place around the world, he noted the widespread participation that has made the event a truly international phenomenon.
“Yoga day has become the world’s biggest festival, visuals are coming from different parts of the world,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the gathering.
Modi pointed out the significance of June 21, which is recognised in many parts of the world as the longest day of the year. He said the date has gained an additional global identity through its association with yoga.
“June 21, in some parts of the Earth, is the day with the longest duration of daylight in the year. And because of International Yoga Day, this day, June 21, has also become the day of the world’s largest collective celebration,” he said.
Emphasising yoga’s role in fostering unity, the Prime Minister said the ancient practice continues to bring people together irrespective of geography or cultural differences.
“Yoga unites us. I congratulate everyone on Yog Diwas,” he said.
During his address, Modi also commended Kolkata’s civic cleanliness initiative, saying it could inspire similar efforts elsewhere.
“I congratulate Kolkata for their Swachta se Swagat initiative. This is an inspiration for everyone,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting the enthusiasm witnessed across the country, the Prime Minister said yoga had become a visible force connecting people from every region of India.
“In India, from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, from the Northeast and Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west, the entire country seems to be filled with the energy of yoga,” he said.
Extending his greetings to participants in India and abroad, Modi reiterated yoga’s message of unity and collective well-being.
“Yoga unites us. I congratulate everyone on Yog Diwas,” he said.
He further acknowledged the efforts of Kolkata residents in promoting both cleanliness and wellness initiatives.
“I extend my best wishes. On the occasion of Yoga Day, especially in Kolkata and across Bengal, I would also appreciate the efforts of the people of Kolkata for cleanliness and yoga,” he said.
Speaking on this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, the Prime Minister stressed that yoga empowers individuals to improve their physical and mental well-being at every stage of life.
“Our target must be to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. Our target must be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30. Our target must be to be more resistant to lifestyle diseases at 70 than we were at 50. This is where Yoga can help us,” he said.
Modi explained that regular yoga practice promotes flexibility, sustains energy levels, reduces stress, and helps prevent lifestyle-related illnesses. He added that yoga encourages individuals to better understand their bodies and minds, enabling improved self-management and overall well-being.
“It helps us tune our bodies to be flexible. It keeps our energy level high. It also helps us maintain a calm, stress-free life and keep lifestyle diseases at bay. Moreover, with regular practice, Yoga teaches us to remain lifelong learners of our bodies and minds. The more we know about ourselves, the better we can manage ourselves,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the theme of healthy ageing should be viewed as relevant to people of all age groups rather than being limited to senior citizens.
“Therefore, Yoga for healthy ageing, this theme must be seen as one for people of all ages, not just for the elderly,” he said.
This year’s International Day of Yoga is being observed under the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, focusing on the role of yoga in enhancing physical fitness, mental wellness, emotional resilience, and active living throughout life.
According to an official statement, Modi joined thousands of yoga practitioners at Red Road in central Kolkata to participate in the Common Yoga Protocol session. Celebrations are being organised at nearly 2,500 venues across the globe, with more than 210 Indian missions and diplomatic posts taking part.
Since the first International Day of Yoga was observed in 2015 following the adoption of India’s proposal by the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister has led commemorative events from different locations in India and overseas. The Kolkata programme marked the 12th edition of the worldwide observance.
