Diplomatic Desk:
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka celebrated the 12th International Yoga Day (IDY) 2026. The day was celebrated at the Julkan Indoor Arena, Bashundhara Sports City, Dhaka, under the management of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC).
Yoga enthusiasts, students, health and wellness practitioners and distinguished guests participated in it.
International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on 21 June. Yoga is an ancient practice originating in India, which has gained global recognition for enhancing physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
The theme of International Yoga Day 2026 was “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlighting the role of yoga in longevity, physical fitness and mental development at every stage of life.
One of the main attractions of the event was the ‘Common Yoga Protocol’ (CYP) session. IGCC Yoga Teacher Ms. Shahnaz Parveen conducted the session with her students.
A large number of participants enthusiastically practiced various yoga asanas and pranayama (breathing exercises) suitable for new and intermediate level practitioners.
Members of several leading yoga institutions in Bangladesh also performed yoga at the event. These included Jaisan Yoga, Who Art of Yoga, Self Healing Hub, Art of Living, Evergreen Yoga School, Notre Dame Yoga and Meditation Club, Quantum Foundation and The Academy of a Better World (Brahma Kumari).
This participation highlighted the growing popularity and diversity of yoga in Bangladesh.
A special attraction of this year’s celebration was the ‘Ayurveda Lounge’, which plays a role in raising awareness about Ayurveda as a holistic health and medical system.
The lounge had dedicated display kiosks of ‘The Ayurveda Medical and Research’, ‘Oshadhi Laboratories’ and ‘Ocean Naturals’, which provided visitors with various information about Ayurvedic healthcare.
In addition, various books on Ayurveda were also displayed for the general public courtesy of the Indian High Commission Library.
This flagship event at Bashundhara Sports City was the culmination of a comprehensive promotional campaign to mark International Yoga Day 2026.
After an inaugural (Curtain Raiser) event on 6 May 2026, the IGCC and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, in collaboration with various yoga institutions, media and educational institutions in Bangladesh, organized and sponsored more than 36 pre-yoga events across the country.
These activities helped in raising public awareness about the benefits of yoga and ensuring widespread public participation.
Marico Bangladesh, Tata Motors, Nitol Motors, Bashundhara Group, Ashok Leyland, Ifad, Jaya Gold, Royal Gold, PN Composite, Prabhudhi Apparels, State Bank of India Bangladesh and Indian Oil Corporation Limited have made valuable contributions to the successful completion of this event.
This celebration of International Yoga Day 2026 is a reminder of the eternal message of yoga in promoting harmony, health and well-being and reflects the growing interest in yoga among the people of Bangladesh.
