Actor Akshay Kumar and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led a mass yoga session in Delhi on June 21, 2026 [1].
The event marks the 12th International Day of Yoga [3], an initiative aimed at promoting global health and mindfulness through the practice of yoga.
Participants gathered at the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium for a celebration themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” [2]. The session sought to encourage citizens to incorporate yoga into their daily routines to improve long-term wellness [2]. According to reports, more than 3,000 people attended the specific celebration in Delhi [2].
Mandaviya emphasized the cultural significance of the practice during the event. "Yoga is India's gift to the world, and I urge citizens to adopt it daily," Mandaviya said [2].
While the Delhi event drew thousands, the broader national celebration was expected to be even larger. Mandaviya said that officials expected over 15,000 participants across SAI centres nationwide for the grand celebration [3].
Kumar joined the minister in leading the exercises, utilizing his public platform to highlight the benefits of physical and mental discipline. The collaboration between the government and the entertainment industry is a recurring strategy to increase public engagement with national health initiatives.
“"Yoga is India's gift to the world, and I urge citizens to adopt it daily."”
The integration of high-profile celebrities like Akshay Kumar into government-led health campaigns suggests a continued effort by the Indian government to institutionalize yoga as a pillar of public health. By focusing on 'Healthy Ageing,' the 2026 theme addresses the specific needs of an aging population, shifting the narrative of yoga from general fitness to a strategic tool for geriatric wellness.
