The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre at the High Commission of India in Dhaka celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 with a vibrant gathering at Bashundhara Sports City on Sunday.
The event brought together a large number of yoga enthusiasts, students, wellness practitioners, and distinguished guests.
Observed annually on June 21, the International Day of Yoga celebrates an ancient practice that originated in India and has since gained global recognition for promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The theme for IDY 2026, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, highlights the role of yoga in fostering longevity, physical fitness, and mental wellness across all stages of life.
A key feature of the programme was the Common Yoga Protocol session, conducted by Shahanaz Parvin, the Yoga Teacher at the IGCC, alongside her students.
The large gathering enthusiastically performed a series of yoga postures and breathing exercises designed for beginners and intermediate practitioners.
The event also featured yoga demonstrations by members of prominent yoga institutions in Bangladesh, showcasing the growing popularity and diversity of the practice across the country.
Participating groups included Joysan Yoga, Hu Art of Yoga, Self Healing Hub, Art of Living, Evergreen Yoga School, Notre Dame Yoga & Meditation Club, Quantum Foundation, and The Academy of a Better World (Brahma Kumaris).
A special attraction of this year’s celebration was the Ayurveda Lounge, which promoted awareness of Ayurveda as a holistic system of health and wellness.
The lounge featured dedicated display kiosks by The Ayurveda Medical & Research, Ousadhi Laboratories, and Oshin Naturals, providing visitors with information on Ayurvedic healthcare solutions.
Books on Ayurveda from the High Commission of India Library were also showcased and made accessible to the public.
The main event marked the culmination of an extensive series of outreach activities organised in the lead-up to IDY 2026. Following a curtain-raiser event on 6 May 2026, the IGCC organised and supported more than 36 yoga-related pre-events across Bangladesh in collaboration with local yoga institutes, media organisations, and educational institutions, helping to raise awareness and encourage wider public participation.
The successful organisation of the event was supported by corporate and institutional partners, including Marico Bangladesh, Tata Motors, Nitol Motors, Bashundhara Group, Ashok Leyland, IFAD, Zaya Gold, Royal Gold, PN Composite, Probridhi Apparels, State Bank of India Bangladesh, and Indian Oil Corporation Limited.
