International Day of Yoga 2026 Celebrated Across ICAR Institutes Nationwide

21 June 2026

The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on 21 June following its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014, recognizing yoga as India's invaluable contribution to global health and well-being. Since 2015, the day has been celebrated worldwide to promote physical fitness, mental wellness and a balanced lifestyle.

The theme for International Day of Yoga 2026 is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," highlighting the role of yoga in fostering lifelong health, resilience and overall well-being across all age groups.

Marking the occasion, ICAR institutes, research centres, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other constituent units across the country celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2026 by organizing yoga sessions, awareness programmes and outreach activities involving scientists, staff, students, farmers and other stakeholders.

ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-III, Kanpur

ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-III, Kanpur celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2026 today with enthusiastic participation of all staff members.

The programme featured a yoga session comprising various asanas, pranayama and meditation exercises conducted under the guidance of Shri Pramod Rishi, along with an awareness programme highlighting the importance of yoga for physical fitness, mental well-being and a healthy lifestyle.

Addressing the participants, Dr Raghwendra Singh, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kanpur, emphasized that yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition and encouraged its adoption as a part of daily life for promoting holistic health and reducing stress.

The programme concluded with a pledge by all participants to embrace yoga as a way of life and to spread awareness about its benefits among farming communities and society.

ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad

ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2026 today under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." The programme commenced with a welcome address followed by a yoga session which demonstrated various yoga postures and explained their health benefits.

Addressing the gathering, the experts highlighted the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life and emphasized the significance of International Day of Yoga.

The event witnessed the participation of 55 scientists, technical, administrative and supporting staff, and students from the institute and the IARI Mega University Hyderabad Hub.

ICAR–National Meat Research Institute, Hyderabad

ICAR–National Meat Research Institute, Hyderabad celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2026 today with enthusiastic participation of scientists, technical and administrative staff, students, and research scholars.

Addressing the gathering, Dr S.B. Barbuddhe, Director, ICAR-NMRI, emphasized the importance of yoga in promoting physical health, mental resilience, workplace productivity, and a balanced lifestyle, encouraging its regular practice.

The programme featured the Common Yoga Protocol, including yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation exercises, along with demonstrations.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to adopt yoga as a regular practice and promote a healthier and happier society.

ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar

ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2026 today with enthusiastic participation of scientists, technical and administrative staff, security personnel, skilled support staff, and other members of the institute.

The programme featured yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation sessions aimed at promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, harmony, and mindful living. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to adopting yoga as a part of their daily routine to improve health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

The event concluded with a pledge to practice yoga regularly and spread awareness about its benefits among families, communities, and society at large.

ICAR–Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune

ICAR–Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 today under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." Scientific, administrative, and temporary staff members participated in a synchronized virtual yoga session conducted under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush.

The programme highlighted the importance of regular yoga practice in enhancing physical fitness, mental well-being, mindfulness, and healthy ageing, while encouraging participants to adopt yoga as a sustainable lifestyle practice.

ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai

ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2026 today with enthusiastic participation of more than 50 staff members.

The yoga session was conducted by the Yoga Certification Board, Ministry of AYUSH, who guided participants through various yoga practices and highlighted their benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Addressing the participants, Dr S. K. Shukla, Director, ICAR-CIRCOT, emphasized the importance of integrating yoga into daily life and encouraged staff to promote its practice among their family members for improved health and overall well-being.

ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa

ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 today under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." The programme featured a yoga session led by Senior Yoga and Meditation Expert, who guided participants through warm-up exercises, yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation while highlighting their benefits for physical fitness, stress management, and healthy ageing.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, encouraged participants to adopt yoga as a daily practice to enhance physical and mental well-being.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of institute staff, project personnel, students, and their family members through both offline and online modes.

(Source: Respective ICAR Institutes)