In a historic and visually stunning celebration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in observing the 12th International Day of Yoga from the iconic Red Road in Kolkata. The event witnessed the participation of thousands of yoga enthusiasts despite an early morning forecast of potential rain .
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” , resonated across the massive gathering, highlighting yoga’s role in promoting physical and mental well-being for a dignified and active life at every age .
PM Modi arrives at Red Road
Prime Minister Modi arrived at the venue around 6:30 AM. He was warmly received by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Governor R. N. Ravi . Around 30,000–35,000 participants, including students, women, and senior citizens, had gathered at the venue, stretching across the historic grounds flanked by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command headquarters .
Yoga for Healthy Ageing
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi emphasized that International Yoga Day has evolved into a global movement that unites the world . He said, “This has become the biggest celebration of the world. The entire country is basking in the glory of Yoga. The world is getting connected to each other and this is the beauty of Yoga” .
He stressed that yoga is not just physical exercise and is not restricted to any age group. “Yoga is not just physical exercise. It is not restricted to any age group. It is an expression of the human spirit,” he said .
Speaking on the theme of healthy ageing, PM Modi urged a positive view of aging, stating that it is not a problem but an opportunity. He added that yoga for aging should be a practice for all ages, not just the elderly . He highlighted the goal: “Our target is to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. We aim to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30” .
A landmark celebration in Bengal
This year’s celebration holds particular significance as it marks the first International Yoga Day to be hosted in Kolkata since the political change in West Bengal . The city has been preparing for the event with week-long activities including yoga runs, a 3,000-drone show, and yoga sessions on 500 boats on the River Hooghly .
The PM highlighted the spiritual significance of the location, paying tribute to the land of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramhansa Dev. He noted that the land of yogis like Swami Vivekananda sends a guiding message to the entire world .
A global phenomenon
International Yoga Day, first observed in 2015, is now celebrated in more than 190 countries. This year, over 210 Indian Missions abroad are organizing events at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide . Special celebrations are also being organized at 100 iconic locations across India, including the Red Fort and other historical sites .
Following the yoga event, PM Modi is scheduled to commission three indigenously designed naval ships at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata .
