12th International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrated in Dhaka

The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 was celebrated in Dhaka on June 21 with a large and enthusiastic gathering of yoga practitioners, students, wellness experts and distinguished guests at Bashundhara Sports City.

The event was organised by the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), High Commission of India, Dhaka, marking the global observance of International Yoga Day, which is held annually on 21 June to promote the benefits of yoga for physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighted the importance of yoga in supporting longevity, fitness and mental wellness across all age groups.

A central feature of the programme was the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session led by IGCC Yoga Teacher Ms. Shahanaz Parvin along with her students, where participants performed structured yoga postures and breathing exercises.

The event also included demonstrations by several leading yoga organisations in Bangladesh, including Joysan Yoga, Hu Art of Yoga, Self Healing Hub, Art of Living, Evergreen Yoga School, Notre Dame Yoga & Meditation Club, Quantum Foundation, and The Academy of a Better World (Brahma Kumaris), reflecting the growing popularity of yoga in the country.

A special Ayurveda Lounge was also set up to raise awareness on traditional holistic healthcare. It featured exhibitions from The Ayurveda Medical & Research, Ousadhi Laboratories and Oshin Naturals, along with Ayurvedic literature available through the High Commission of India Library.

The main celebration followed a series of outreach activities ahead of IDY 2026, including more than 36 yoga-related pre-events across Bangladesh in collaboration with educational institutions, media organisations and yoga centres.

The event was supported by multiple partners, including Marico Bangladesh, Tata Motors, Nitol Motors, Bashundhara Group, Ashok Leyland, IFAD, Zaya Gold, Royal Gold, PN Composite, Probridhi Apparels, State Bank of India Bangladesh and Indian Oil Corporation Limited.

Organisers said the celebration reaffirmed yoga as a unifying practice promoting harmony, health and well-being, while also reflecting the growing public interest in yoga across Bangladesh.