Moscow: People across the world gathered in large numbers on Sunday to celebrate the International Day of Yoga (IDY), embracing the ancient practice and its message of health, harmony, mindfulness and overall well-being.
In Russia, the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Moscow, in collaboration with the Moscow City Government, organised the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations themed ‘Yoga For Healthy Ageing’ at the iconic Universitetskaya Square near Lomonosov Moscow State University.
“The event brought together yoga enthusiasts, community members and wellness advocates to embrace the timeless practice of yoga and its role in promoting health, harmony, mindfulness and overall well-being,” the embassy said in a post on X.
In Germany, the Embassy of India in Berlin and the Tagore Cultural Centre, in collaboration with Art of Living, organised IDY 2026 celebrations at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, with more than 500 participants joining the event.
The embassy said thunderstorms could not dampen the spirit of participants, who continued practising yoga in the rain, reflecting their commitment to the practice’s message of health, harmony and well-being.
The event featured a special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’. Ambassador Ajit Gupte spoke about yoga’s continued relevance in promoting holistic well-being and its growing popularity in Germany, the embassy added.
In Denmark, IDY celebrations were organised by the Sustainability Foundation and HHS Aarhus. The Mayor for Health and Elderly Care of Aarhus City, Metin Aydin, also participated in the event.
The Indian Embassy in Copenhagen said the celebrations were significant as the 2026 theme focused on healthy ageing.
Spain’s Madrid also marked the occasion against the grand backdrop of the Royal Palace at Plaza de Oriente, with enthusiastic participation reflecting yoga’s global appeal and universal message of wellness.
“Addressing the hundreds of participants gathered on the occasion, the Ambassador underscored how IDY, an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become a global movement,” the Embassy of India in Madrid said.
The embassy highlighted yoga’s role in promoting unity and harmony worldwide, while also noting the importance of this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’. Vice Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport of the Community of Madrid, Luis Fernando Martin Izquierdo, attended the event.
In Hungary, International Yoga Day celebrations were held at the Sports University Stadium in Budapest.
“Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Kolkata, enthusiastic participants from the Indian diaspora, partners and Hungarian friends joined us. The Ambassador highlighted this year’s theme: ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ — adding life to our years with grace and wisdom,” the Embassy of India in Hungary said on X.
With IANS inputs