The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, is set to organise the Yoga Mahotsav 2026: 25-Day Countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY 2026) tomorrow at the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh.
The Yoga Mahotsav 2026 marks a key milestone in India’s nationwide preparations for the 12th International Day of Yoga. The event aims to strengthen awareness and encourage mass participation in Yoga activities across the country as part of the broader countdown campaign leading to IDY 2026.
Government Push to Expand Yoga Outreach
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, addressed a press conference ahead of the event in Khajuraho. He stated that the Yoga Mahotsav 2026 reflects the government’s commitment to expanding Yoga’s reach and promoting holistic wellness across India.
He also highlighted that the Ministry of Ayush is running a 100-day nationwide countdown campaign in collaboration with 100 institutions across 100 locations. According to him, the Yoga Mahotsav 2026 is a central part of this large-scale awareness initiative.
Yoga Mahotsav 2026 as a Global Wellness Movement
Speaking about Yoga’s growing global importance, the Minister said that Yoga, rooted in India’s ancient heritage, has become a worldwide wellness movement since the United Nations declared International Day of Yoga in 2014 following the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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He noted that the Yoga Mahotsav 2026 further strengthens India’s role in promoting Yoga globally and supports the “Yoga 365 Days” initiative, under which over two lakh participants have already registered as Yoga Mitras.
Khajuraho as Cultural Backdrop for Yoga Mahotsav 2026
The Yoga Mahotsav 2026 will begin at 6:00 AM and will witness participation from Yoga practitioners, students, officials, and wellness enthusiasts from across the country. Participants will perform the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) during the event.
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav, along with Madhya Pradesh AYUSH Minister Inder Singh Parmar, senior officials, and Yoga experts, will attend the programme. The Ministry also confirmed that Ayush Aahara will be distributed among participants.
Khajuraho, known for its cultural heritage and temple architecture, provides a symbolic and spiritual backdrop for the Yoga Mahotsav 2026, highlighting the connection between India’s traditions and modern wellness practices.
Countdown to International Day of Yoga 2026
Officials stated that the Yoga Mahotsav 2026 is part of a 25-day countdown initiative leading up to International Day of Yoga 2026. The campaign aims to promote Yoga through community events, awareness drives, and mass participation across India.
The Yoga Mahotsav 2026 is expected to boost public engagement and further strengthen Yoga’s position as a global health and wellness practice.