100-Day Countdown to International Yoga Day Begins

• Yoga Mahotsav on March 13 to mark 100-day countdown to International Day of Yoga 2026
• Event organised by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under Ministry of Ayush
• 100 organisations to promote yoga across 100 cities nationwide
• Preparations begin for the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th March: The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Ministry of Ayush will organise Yoga Mahotsav 2026 on March 13 at Vigyan Bhawan, marking the beginning of the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026.

The event will launch a nationwide outreach programme in which 100 organisations will promote yoga across 100 cities and locations across the country during the countdown period.

The programme, scheduled to begin at 9:00 am, is expected to be attended by several Union Ministers, yoga experts, healthcare professionals, and yoga practitioners.

Among the key dignitaries expected to attend are Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, President of S-VYASA Society Dr H.R. Nagendra, and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Ayush Monalisa Dash.

The gathering will also include yoga gurus, experts from modern medicine and allied sciences, delegates, yoga enthusiasts and practitioners.

Highlighting the significance of the event, Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav said the global recognition of yoga is a matter of pride for India.

“At the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. The worldwide acceptance of yoga reflects its deep cultural and spiritual roots in India,” he said.

Jadhav noted that the Ministry of Ayush acts as the nodal ministry for organising International Day of Yoga events, with the main celebration traditionally featuring a mass yoga demonstration led by the Prime Minister.

The 100-day countdown is considered an important phase leading up to the annual celebration, aimed at expanding the reach of yoga and encouraging greater public participation.

For the 12th International Day of Yoga in 2026, the ministry plans to organise major events at 100 iconic locations across the country, bringing together citizens, yoga institutions and health experts.

Officials said the countdown programmes will help strengthen awareness about the health, wellness and holistic benefits of yoga, inspiring people across India to adopt it as part of their daily lifestyle.

With the launch of the countdown through Yoga Mahotsav, preparations for International Day of Yoga 2026 have officially gathered momentum across the country.