NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has completed extensive preparations for a grand celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, which will be observed on June 21 across eight prominent locations in the national capital. More than 5,000 participants are expected to join the event, making it one of the largest coordinated public wellness initiatives organised in central Delhi.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting holistic health and wellness and complements the nationwide efforts undertaken by the Ministry of AYUSH to encourage citizens to adopt yoga as an integral part of their daily lives.
This year’s International Day of Yoga will be celebrated under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting the importance of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, emotional balance and healthier lifestyles across all age groups.
Eight major venues selected across NDMC area
NDMC has identified eight iconic locations for organising large-scale yoga sessions simultaneously on June 21. These venues include:
- Shanti Path Lawn
- Lodhi Garden
- Talkatora Garden
- Kartavya Path
- New Moti Bagh (IAS Residences)
- Sanjay Jheel at Laxmi Bai Nagar
- Pandara Park
- Palika Park, Connaught Place
Authorities expect significant footfall at prominent public spaces such as Kartavya Path, Lodhi Garden, Talkatora Garden and Shanti Path Lawn due to their accessibility and popularity among residents and visitors.
Eight leading yoga organisations to participate
To ensure a professionally managed and impactful event, NDMC has partnered with eight renowned yoga institutions that will conduct yoga demonstrations and sessions at the designated venues.
The participating organisations include:
- Art of Living
- Patanjali Yoga Samiti
- Gayatri Parivar
- Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga
- Isha Yoga Centre
- The Yoga Guru Institute
- Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan
- International Naturopathy Organisation
These organisations will guide participants through yoga practices and the Common Yoga Protocol while spreading awareness about the long-term health benefits of regular yoga practice.
Massive multi-departmental preparations underway
NDMC has implemented a comprehensive action plan involving multiple departments to ensure smooth execution of the celebrations.
Senior officials, nodal officers and departmental teams have been assigned specific responsibilities for event management, public safety and logistical support.
The key arrangements include:
Infrastructure and venue setup
- Installation of stages and carpeting
- Seating arrangements for participants
- Development of temporary event infrastructure
- Floral decorations and beautification works
- Landscaping and placement of potted plants
Technology and communication support
- High-quality sound systems
- Public address systems
- LED display screens
- Photography and videography arrangements
- Media facilitation services
Public convenience measures
- Distribution of yoga mats and T-shirts in coordination with the Ministry of AYUSH
- Drinking water facilities
- Mobile toilet units
- Separate VIP toilet arrangements
Safety and emergency preparedness
- Deployment of medical teams
- Ambulance services
- Emergency response units
- Security coordination with Delhi Police
- Traffic management arrangements
Cleanliness and environmental initiatives
- Special sanitation drives before, during and after the event
- Enhanced cleanliness measures at all venues
Officials said the elaborate arrangements are aimed at creating a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment for participants from all age groups.
Public participation at the centre of celebrations
NDMC is placing strong emphasis on community participation to make the event a people’s movement rather than merely an official programme.
Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Traders Associations (MTAs), educational institutions and various community organisations have been mobilised to encourage widespread participation.
Nodal officers have been directed to actively engage with local communities and spread awareness about yoga’s role in disease prevention, healthy ageing and overall well-being.
Several outreach programmes and awareness campaigns are also being conducted in the run-up to the main event.
Special yoga camps organised before June 21
As part of the build-up activities, NDMC is organising free yoga camps on June 19 and June 20 at two of Delhi’s major green spaces—Talkatora Garden and Lodhi Garden.
The sessions are open to the public and are designed to encourage active participation while familiarising citizens with yoga techniques and breathing exercises.
The pre-event camps focus on physical, mental and emotional wellness and are expected to attract participants from diverse age groups.
AYUSH units intensify awareness campaigns
NDMC’s AYUSH units are also playing an active role in the preparations by conducting yoga sessions, awareness programmes and Common Yoga Protocol practices across several locations.
These activities have witnessed enthusiastic participation from NDMC employees as well as members of the public.
Officials believe the initiatives are helping reinforce the broader message of preventive healthcare, balanced living and sustainable wellness practices.
The extensive outreach programmes have generated momentum ahead of the June 21 celebrations and have further strengthened public engagement.
NDMC said the International Day of Yoga celebrations reflect its long-term commitment towards creating healthier communities through preventive healthcare, environmental consciousness and citizen-centric initiatives.
The civic body aims to encourage people to embrace yoga not merely as an annual event but as a daily habit that can contribute significantly to physical fitness, mental resilience and overall quality of life.
With large-scale participation anticipated across all eight venues, authorities have invited residents, students, professionals, senior citizens and visitors to actively join the celebrations.
As preparations enter the final phase, New Delhi is set to witness one of its largest public wellness events, reinforcing yoga’s growing role as a global movement for health, harmony and sustainable living.
