What is International Yoga Day?
Updated for 2026 — includes the current UN theme and celebration ideas for 21 June 2026.
International Yoga Day is a global observance held every year on 21 June. The United Nations declared it in 2015, following a proposal by India, to honour yoga’s Indian origins and its role in promoting health and well-being worldwide. The day is marked in over 190 countries with events, classes, and public sessions that bring people together to practise yoga and learn about its benefits. In India, it is a major occasion: the Prime Minister and the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) promote large-scale events, and schools, colleges, and community centres often hold yoga programmes.
The idea behind the day is to raise awareness of yoga as a gift from India to the world—a practice that supports physical health, mental clarity, and stress relief across cultures and ages. Whether you are new to yoga or a long-time practitioner, 21 June is a chance to celebrate, practise, and share the benefits of yoga with others.
Why 21 June?
21 June is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere—the longest day of the year. In yogic and Indian tradition, the solstice is seen as a powerful time for spiritual and physical practice. The sun is at its peak; the day is long and bright. Choosing this date links International Yoga Day to both nature and the spiritual roots of yoga. In some traditions, the transition from one season to another is considered an auspicious moment for renewal and intention-setting—practising yoga on this day can symbolise a recommitment to health and well-being.
History and Importance in India
Yoga has been part of Indian culture for millennia. References to yoga appear in ancient texts such as the Vedas and the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali. Over the centuries, different schools emerged—Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and many others—and spread across India and, later, the world. International Yoga Day has helped spread awareness of yoga as a gift from India to global health. It also reinforces the message that yoga is inclusive: it can be adapted for beginners, yoga for weight loss, yoga for back pain, yoga for anxiety, and general wellness.
In India, the day is marked by large-scale events in cities and towns, school and community programmes, and messages from the Prime Minister and the Ministry of AYUSH. Many yoga teachers and studios offer free or discounted classes so that more people can try yoga or deepen their practice. The day is both a celebration and an invitation to make yoga a part of daily life.
How to Celebrate International Yoga Day
- Practise yoga – Book a yoga class or do Surya Namaskar or a short sequence at home. Use Surya Namaskar steps if you are learning. Even 15–20 minutes counts.
- Introduce others – Share yoga for beginners or invite friends and family to try a session. The day is a good moment to demystify yoga for those who have never tried it.
- Follow the theme – Each year the UN sets a theme (e.g. yoga for health, yoga for humanity). Check the official UN or Ministry of AYUSH website for the current year’s theme and use it to focus your practice or events.
- Join a local event – Many parks, community centres, and studios hold free group sessions on 21 June. Joining can build a sense of community and motivation.
- Recommit to a routine – Use the day to set an intention: for example, to practise yoga a few times per week or to explore a new type of yoga such as Hatha or Vinyasa.
The day is evergreen in spirit—yoga is for every day—but 21 June is a special moment to celebrate and recommit. For more on yoga, see our Yoga guide or book a class in Bengaluru or online.