The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), High Commission of India, Dhaka, celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 with a vibrant gathering of yoga enthusiasts, students, wellness practitioners, and distinguished guests at Bashundhara Sports City, Dhaka, on Sunday.

The celebration reaffirmed the enduring message of yoga as a unifying force that promotes harmony, health, and well-being, and reflected the strong and growing interest in yoga among the people of Bangladesh.

Observed annually on June 21, the International Day of Yoga celebrates yoga—an ancient practice that originated in India and has gained worldwide recognition for promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The theme for IDY 2026, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlights the role of yoga in fostering longevity, physical fitness, and mental wellness across all stages of life.

A key feature of the programme was the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session, conducted by Shahanaz Parvin, Yoga Teacher at IGCC, along with her students.

The large gathering enthusiastically performed a series of yoga postures and breathing exercises designed for beginner and intermediate yoga practitioners.

The event also featured yoga demonstrations by members of prominent yoga institutions in Bangladesh, including Joysan Yoga, Hu Art of Yoga, Self Healing Hub, Art of Living, Evergreen Yoga School, Notre Dame Yoga & Meditation Club, Quantum Foundation, and The Academy of a Better World (Brahma Kumaris), showcasing the growing popularity and diversity of yoga practice in Bangladesh.

A special attraction of this year’s celebration was the Ayurveda Lounge, which promoted awareness of Ayurveda as a holistic system of health and wellness.

The lounge featured dedicated display kiosks by The Ayurveda Medical & Research, Ousadhi Laboratories, and Oshin Naturals, providing visitors with information on Ayurvedic healthcare solutions.

The lounge also showcased books on Ayurveda accessible to the public through the High Commission of India Library.

The main event marked the culmination of an extensive series of outreach activities organized in the lead-up to IDY 2026.

Following the curtain-raiser event on May 6, 2026, IGCC, High Commission of India, Dhaka, organized and supported more than 36 yoga-related pre-events across Bangladesh in collaboration with yoga institutes, media organizations, and educational institutions, helping raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and encouraging wider public participation.

The event partners included Marico Bangladesh, Tata Motors, Nitol Motors, Bashundhara Group, Ashok Leyland, IFAD, Zaya Gold, Royal Gold, PN Composite, Probridhi Apparels, State Bank of India Bangladesh, and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, whose valuable contributions helped ensure the successful organization of the event.