Rajiv Dey :
The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), Indian High Commission, Dhaka, celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 with a vibrant gathering of yoga enthusiasts, students, wellness practitioners and distinguished guests at Bashundhara Sports City, Dhaka on 21 June 2026.
Celebrated every year on 21 June, International Day of Yoga celebrates yoga—an ancient practice originating in India that has gained global recognition for its role in promoting physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The theme of IDY 2026, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlights the role of yoga in promoting longevity, physical fitness and mental well-being at all stages of life.
A major highlight of the event was the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session, conducted by IGCC Yoga Teacher Ms. Shahnaz Parveen along with her students. The large gathering enthusiastically performed various yoga asanas and breathing exercises designed for novice and intermediate level yoga practitioners.
The event also featured a yoga exhibition with the participation of members of various renowned yoga institutions in Bangladesh including Jayasan 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 Kumaris), highlighting the growing popularity and diversity of yoga practice in Bangladesh.
A special highlight of this year’s celebration was the Ayurveda Lounge, which plays a role in raising awareness about Ayurveda as a holistic approach to health and wellness. The lounge features separate display kiosks from The Ayurveda Medical and Research, Aushadhi Laboratories and Ocean Naturals, where visitors are provided with information about Ayurveda-based healthcare solutions. The lounge also displays a number of books on Ayurveda, which are available to the general public through the Indian High Commission Library.
The main event marks the culmination of a series of extensive outreach activities organized in the run-up to IDY 2026. Following the inaugural event on 6 May 2026, the IGCC, in collaboration with various yoga institutes, media organisations and educational institutions across Bangladesh, organised and sponsored over 36 yoga-related pre-events, which helped raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and encourage greater public participation.
The event partners of the event included Marico Bangladesh, Tata Motors, Nitol Motors, Bashundhara Group, Ashok Leyland, Ifad, Jaya Gold, Royal Gold, PN Composite, Pradhikti Apparels, State Bank of India Bangladesh and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, who made valuable contributions towards the successful organization of the event.
The celebration reaffirms the eternal message of Yoga as a unifying force for promoting harmony, health and well-being and reflects the strong and growing interest in Yoga among the people of Bangladesh.
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