Dhaka Marks International Day of Yoga 2026

The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 was celebrated in Dhaka on Sunday with a vibrant gathering of yoga enthusiasts, students, wellness practitioners and distinguished guests, highlighting the growing popularity of yoga in Bangladesh.

Organised by the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) under the High Commission of India in Dhaka, the event was held at Bashundhara Sports City to mark the annual global observance of yoga on 21 June.

This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, underscored the role of yoga in promoting longevity, physical fitness and mental well-being at every stage of life.

A major highlight of the programme was the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session led by IGCC Yoga Teacher Shahanaz Parvin and her students. Participants enthusiastically performed a series of yoga postures and breathing exercises designed for beginners and intermediate practitioners.

The event also featured yoga demonstrations by several leading yoga organisations in Bangladesh, including 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 sought to raise awareness about Ayurveda as a holistic system of health and wellness. The lounge showcased dedicated kiosks by The Ayurveda Medical & Research, Ousadhi Laboratories and Oshin Naturals, offering information on Ayurvedic healthcare solutions. Visitors also had access to books on Ayurveda from the High Commission of India’s library.

The main event marked the culmination of a nationwide series of outreach activities organised ahead of International Day of Yoga 2026. Since a curtain-raiser event on 6 May, the IGCC and the High Commission of India have organised or supported more than 36 yoga-related programmes across Bangladesh in partnership with yoga institutes, media organisations and educational institutions.

Organisers said the initiatives were aimed at increasing public awareness of yoga’s benefits and encouraging broader participation in the practice.

Several corporate and institutional partners supported the event, 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.

The celebration concluded with a renewed emphasis on yoga’s message of harmony, health and well-being, reflecting the growing interest in the ancient practice among people across BangladeshDhaka Marks International Day of Yoga 2026

Staff Reporter

The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 was celebrated in Dhaka on Sunday with a vibrant gathering of yoga enthusiasts, students, wellness practitioners and distinguished guests, highlighting the growing popularity of yoga in Bangladesh.

Organised by the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) under the High Commission of India in Dhaka, the event was held at Bashundhara Sports City to mark the annual global observance of yoga on 21 June.

This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, underscored the role of yoga in promoting longevity, physical fitness and mental well-being at every stage of life.

A major highlight of the programme was the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session led by IGCC Yoga Teacher Shahanaz Parvin and her students. Participants enthusiastically performed a series of yoga postures and breathing exercises designed for beginners and intermediate practitioners.

The event also featured yoga demonstrations by several leading yoga organisations in Bangladesh, including 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 sought to raise awareness about Ayurveda as a holistic system of health and wellness. The lounge showcased dedicated kiosks by The Ayurveda Medical & Research, Ousadhi Laboratories and Oshin Naturals, offering information on Ayurvedic healthcare solutions. Visitors also had access to books on Ayurveda from the High Commission of India’s library.

The main event marked the culmination of a nationwide series of outreach activities organised ahead of International Day of Yoga 2026. Since a curtain-raiser event on 6 May, the IGCC and the High Commission of India have organised or supported more than 36 yoga-related programmes across Bangladesh in partnership with yoga institutes, media organisations and educational institutions.

Organisers said the initiatives were aimed at increasing public awareness of yoga’s benefits and encouraging broader participation in the practice.

Several corporate and institutional partners supported the event, 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.

The celebration concluded with a renewed emphasis on yoga’s message of harmony, health and well-being, reflecting the growing interest in the ancient practice among people across Bangladesh