Yoga Mahotsav 2026 to mark the 100-day
countdown to the 12th edition of the International Day of Yoga (IDY 2026) was
inaugurated by Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge)
for AYUSH and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, on March 13 in
New Delhi. On the occasion, he launched “10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable
Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups,” designed for individuals across different
age groups and health conditions.
The day began with a live demonstration of
the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at 7 a.m. at the Morarji Desai National
Institute of Yoga, attended by over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts. The CYP included a
series of yogasanas, pranayama, and meditation practices that contribute to
improved flexibility, strength, balance, and inner harmony.
The programme featured three thematic
technical sessions:
• Yoga for the Geriatric Population
• Business Module for Yoga Entrepreneurship
• Yoga and Artificial Intelligence
The Ministry of Ayush, the nodal ministry
for the International Day of Yoga, has successfully organised eleven editions
of the global event with steadily growing participation worldwide. Yoga
Mahotsav 2026 aims to promote the diverse dimensions of yoga and inspire a
global movement for health, well-being, and peace.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said
the International Day of Yoga has evolved into a global celebration of
wellness. Yoga, he noted, is not merely a lifestyle practice but a powerful
discipline that promotes mental clarity, physical health, and emotional
balance. It has helped millions maintain resilience and well-being, even during
challenging periods such as the pandemic.
He added that the newly launched protocols
are designed for people across different age groups and life stages, enabling
them to take greater responsibility for their health, enhance physical and
mental resilience, and improve their overall quality of life. He highlighted
the nation’s vision of preventive and holistic healthcare, noting that yoga and
Ayurveda are key pillars of this approach.
The Minister also launched the “Yoga for
Air Travel” protocol, a specially designed five-minute routine of seated yogic
practices, breathing exercises, and brief meditation. Developed by experts, the
protocol aims to reduce travel-related stress, improve circulation, ease
muscular discomfort, and promote mental calmness during air journeys.
On the occasion, the Morarji Desai National
Institute of Yoga exchanged an MoU with Habuild under the Yoga 365 campaign to
offer free daily online yoga sessions.
Highlighting the initiative, the Minister
said, “Yoga 365 aims to help individuals adopt yoga as a daily habit, encourage
consistent practice, and deepen engagement in the run-up to IDY 2026.”
During the programme, Saurabh Bothra shared
a toll-free number (1800-315-7008) with participants to facilitate online
registration for the Yoga 365 campaign.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the
Ministry of Ayush, highlighted several digital initiatives aimed at expanding
access to yoga. He said the ministry, through the Ayush Grid, has developed an
AI-based tool to guide yoga practitioners in correcting their postures while
performing asanas.
To make yoga more accessible, courses such
as the Advanced Y-Break have been made available on Karmayogi Bharat, where
more than 10 lakh participants have already enrolled.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Monalisa Dash,
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said, “Yoga is one of the greatest gifts of
India to the world. It represents a holistic philosophy that harmonises the
mind, body, and spirit.”
The Director of the Morarji Desai National
Institute of Yoga proposed the vote of thanks.
