Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga from Kolkata’s iconic Red Road on June 21, marking the first time that West Bengal will host the Centre’s flagship Yoga Day event. The event is being organised by the Ministry of Ayush under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
Expected to attract tens of thousands of participants, the programme is set to be one of the largest Yoga Day gatherings in the country. Officials have projected participation between 30,000 and 40,000 people, while organisers are also exploring the possibility of setting new participation records.
The choice of Red Road, one of Kolkata’s most prominent public spaces, adds symbolic significance to the event. Traditionally, major Yoga Day programmes in the city have been held at Brigade Parade Ground, making this year’s venue a notable departure from past celebrations.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit is also politically significant as it comes shortly after the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive in the state on June 20, when he will visit Tarakeswar and participate in West Bengal Foundation Day events before leading the Yoga Day programme the following morning.
Authorities have launched extensive preparations for the mega event. Red Road has been closed for several days to facilitate security arrangements and event infrastructure, while traffic diversions have been announced across parts of the city. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation and other agencies are organising yoga sessions at multiple parks and public spaces to encourage widespread participation.
The Ministry of Ayush has highlighted that this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” focuses on promoting health, dignity and well-being across generations. The celebrations will also form part of a larger global initiative, with Yoga Day events planned at thousands of locations worldwide through Indian missions and cultural organisations.
With Prime Minister Modi leading the national event from Kolkata, the city is set to become the focal point of India’s annual yoga celebrations, showcasing the country’s continued efforts to promote yoga as a global movement for health and wellness.
