Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh marked International Yoga Day 2026 with enthusiasm and large-scale public participation as the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board organised a state-level Yoga programme at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal. The celebrations were part of a statewide initiative promoting the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, the official theme of the 12th International Yoga Day.
The event witnessed participation from Tourism Department officials, healthcare experts, senior citizens, students and citizens from across the state. Similar yoga sessions were simultaneously organised at several iconic tourist destinations, reinforcing the message of wellness, harmony and healthy living.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Message Inspires Participants
Participants at the Bhopal event joined the national International Yoga Day programme held in Kolkata virtually and listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address.
In his message, the Prime Minister emphasized that Yoga is not merely a physical exercise but a powerful tool for global peace, harmony and human unity.
He noted that Yoga connects people across geographical, cultural and social boundaries and helps establish a balance between mental and physical health.
According to the Prime Minister, when Yoga becomes a natural part of life, it promotes discipline, self-awareness, emotional stability and collective well-being.
Senior Tourism Officials Participate in Yoga Session
The state-level programme saw active participation from senior officials of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.
Among those present were:
- Dr. Ilaiyaraja T., Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and Secretary, Tourism Department
- Dr. Abhay Bedekar, Additional Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board
- Dr. Ankesh Bhadauria of Sant Hirdaram Medical College
- Officials and staff members of the Tourism Board
Participants performed yoga exercises following the Common Yoga Protocol prescribed by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
“Yoga is a Heritage Beyond Health”: Dr. Ilaiyaraja T.
Extending his greetings on International Yoga Day, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Managing Director and Tourism Secretary Dr. Ilaiyaraja T. highlighted Yoga’s deeper cultural and spiritual significance.
He stated that the Tourism Department is committed to promoting Yoga not only as a health activity but also as an important component of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
“Yoga teaches discipline, self-confidence and the art of living. It is deeply connected with our cultural values and provides guidance for a balanced and meaningful life,” he said.
Dr. Ilaiyaraja further encouraged citizens to make Yoga a regular part of their lifestyle to achieve holistic well-being.
“Make Yoga a Daily Habit”: Dr. Abhay Bedekar
Additional Managing Director Dr. Abhay Bedekar urged people to integrate Yoga into their daily routines.
He said regular Yoga practice can play a major role in building a healthy, happy and prosperous society.
“Yoga is the foundation of a healthy life. By adopting Yoga every day, we can improve our physical health, mental well-being and overall quality of life,” he remarked.
He also appealed to participants to take a pledge to continue practicing Yoga beyond International Yoga Day celebrations.
Special Yoga Session for Elderly Citizens
A special feature of this year’s programme was the participation of elderly residents from the Seva Samiti Old Age Home.
Senior citizens enthusiastically joined Tourism Board officials in a mass Yoga session designed around the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
The session was conducted by a trained team from the Sant Hirdaram Institute of Ayurveda and Naturopathy and focused on improving flexibility, balance, breathing and mental wellness among elderly participants.
The event highlighted the growing recognition of Yoga as an effective tool for healthy ageing and preventive healthcare.
Common Yoga Protocol Followed
The Yoga session adhered to the Common Yoga Protocol developed by the Ministry of AYUSH and included:
- Opening Prayer
- Sukshma Vyayam (Subtle Exercises)
- Yogasanas (Yoga Postures)
- Pranayama (Breathing Techniques)
- Meditation
- Closing Prayer
Participants actively took part in all activities and collectively pledged to adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle through regular Yoga practice.
Yoga Celebrations Across Madhya Pradesh’s Major Tourist Destinations
The spirit of International Yoga Day extended far beyond Bhopal as mass Yoga sessions were organised at some of Madhya Pradesh’s most prominent tourist and heritage destinations.
Tourism Board officials, local administrations, students, tourists and citizens participated in events held at:
- Khajuraho
- Sanchi
- Udayagiri
- Gwalior Fort
- Indore’s famous 56 Dukan
- Tamia
- Bhopal Boat Club
The programmes focused on educating participants about the physical, mental and emotional benefits of Yoga while promoting the message of healthy ageing.
Officials said these events also showcased the connection between wellness tourism, heritage tourism and India’s ancient traditions.
Tourism Department Promotes Wellness Tourism
The Tourism Department has increasingly focused on promoting wellness and spiritual tourism across Madhya Pradesh.
Officials believe Yoga can serve as a major attraction for domestic and international tourists seeking holistic health experiences rooted in India’s ancient traditions.
The International Yoga Day celebrations at heritage sites and tourist destinations reflected the state’s broader efforts to integrate wellness activities into tourism development initiatives.
International Yoga Day: A Global Movement
International Yoga Day is observed every year on June 21 following a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014.
The proposal was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and received unprecedented support from countries across the world.
The first International Yoga Day was celebrated globally on June 21, 2015.
Since then, Yoga has evolved into a worldwide movement promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, preventive healthcare and sustainable living.
Today, millions of people across continents practice Yoga, drawing inspiration from India’s ancient philosophical and wellness traditions.
Yoga’s Growing Relevance in Modern Times
With rising concerns regarding lifestyle diseases, stress, mental health challenges and ageing populations, Yoga continues to gain global recognition as a comprehensive wellness practice.
The theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” reflects the growing importance of maintaining physical fitness, emotional balance and mental resilience throughout life.
Through statewide participation and community engagement, Madhya Pradesh’s International Yoga Day celebrations reinforced Yoga’s role as a bridge between tradition and modern well-being.
The collective pledge taken by participants across the state underscored a shared commitment to healthier lifestyles and a deeper appreciation of India’s timeless Yoga heritage
Read Also: Breath Before Battle: What Yoga Day 2026 Means for an Ageing, Anxious World
