NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) celebrated International Day of Yoga 2026 on a grand scale by organising yoga sessions at nine prominent locations across the national capital, drawing participation from nearly 6,000 people. This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and healthy lifestyles among people of all age groups.
The large-scale initiative was organised by NDMC in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, and eight leading yoga organisations. Thousands of residents, volunteers, government officials and employees gathered to perform the Common Yoga Protocol and reaffirm the importance of yoga in daily life.
Senior Ministers Participate In Yoga Sessions
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, participated in a yoga programme organised at Shanti Path in New Delhi. He was joined by officials from the Ministry of AYUSH and volunteers from the Art of Living Foundation.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, attended a yoga session at Lodhi Garden and interacted with participants.
NDMC Chairman Shri Keshav Chandra also joined hundreds of volunteers, senior officers and employees during a yoga session organised at the PSOI complex in Chanakyapuri.
Yoga Should Become A Way Of Life: NDMC Chairman
Addressing participants, NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra highlighted the need to make yoga an inseparable part of daily life rather than limiting it to a one-day celebration.
He said that beginning each day with yoga can improve physical fitness, enhance mental clarity and create inner balance. According to him, yoga strengthens both the body and the mind, enabling individuals to live healthier, more focused and productive lives.
He further emphasised that in today’s fast-paced world, yoga is essential for achieving holistic well-being, resilience and sustained energy in everyday activities.
Nine Major Venues Hosted Yoga Celebrations
The main International Day of Yoga programmes were organised at nine major locations across New Delhi.
These included:
- Lodhi Garden
- Talkatora Garden
- Kartavya Path
- IAS Residential Complex, New Moti Bagh
- Sanjay Jheel, Laxmi Bai Nagar
- Pandara Park
- Palika Park, Connaught Place
- PSOI, Chanakyapuri
- Valmiki Sadan, Mandir Marg
Thousands of participants gathered at these venues to perform yoga under expert guidance.
NDMC Council Member Promotes Wellness Culture
At Valmiki Sadan in Mandir Marg, NDMC Council Member Shri Anil Valmiki participated in yoga sessions alongside local residents, volunteers and NDMC staff members.
He said the initiative reflects NDMC’s commitment to encouraging healthy lifestyles, holistic wellness and a culture that prioritises physical and mental well-being among citizens and employees alike.
Yoga Activities Extended Beyond Main Venues
Apart from the nine major locations, NDMC also organised yoga sessions at several other institutions and facilities under its jurisdiction.
These included:
- NDMC Old Age Home
- Working Women Hostel
- AYUSH Centres
- Resident Welfare Associations
- Various NDMC offices
The aim was to ensure maximum community participation and spread awareness about the long-term benefits of yoga.
Collaboration With Leading Yoga Organisations
NDMC partnered with several renowned institutions to make the celebrations successful.
These organisations included:
- 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
Their volunteers assisted participants and guided them through various yoga postures and breathing exercises.
PM Modi’s Address
To connect participants with the national celebrations, NDMC arranged live telecasts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s International Yoga Day address from Kolkata at all nine venues through LED screens.
Participants watched the Prime Minister’s message highlighting yoga as a powerful tool for improving individual and societal well-being.
The NDMC Horticulture Department also enhanced the ambience by installing floral decorations and thematic displays carrying messages and greetings related to International Yoga Day.
Extensive Civic Arrangements Ensured Smooth Conduct
NDMC made elaborate arrangements to facilitate public participation and ensure the smooth conduct of the events.
Key facilities included:
- Drinking water stations
- Mobile toilet units
- Ambulance services
- First-aid counters
- Distribution of yoga mats
- Distribution of T-shirts for participants
Around 1,000 personnel were deployed across the nine locations under the supervision of nearly 10 nodal officers.
Pre-Event Sessions Encouraged Community Participation
NDMC also organised preparatory yoga sessions on June 19 and June 20 at Lodhi Garden and Talkatora Garden.
These free community programmes focused on the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” and encouraged residents to adopt yoga for improving physical, mental and emotional well-being.
The sessions witnessed active participation from people across different age groups and helped build momentum ahead of International Yoga Day celebrations.
The large-scale initiative once again showcased New Delhi’s growing commitment to promoting preventive healthcare, healthy ageing and holistic wellness through yoga, reinforcing India’s message of making yoga an integral part of everyday life.
