Embassy of India in Washington celebrates the 12th International Day of Yoga

Above and below: Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., June 19, 2026, to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga which falls on June 21, and is a declared day by the United Nations. The event was organized by the Indian Embassy. PHOTOS: Indian Embassy

Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts gathered to participate in the Embassy of India’s celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga on June 19, 2026. Held at the iconic Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., this year’s theme was ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing.’

Ambassador Vinay Kwatra addressed the participants, speaking to yoga’s universal appeal and its place as a shared heritage for all of humanity. He emphasized India’s longstanding belief that knowledge should be open and accessible to everyone. It was in this spirit that India introduced the resolution at the United Nations to establish the International Day of Yoga, a resolution that went on to receive the backing of a record 175 member states.

Above and below: Yoga instructors guiding the participants on IDY 2026, in Washington, D.C. June 19, 2026.

An Ayurveda Corner was additionally set up at the venue for the purpose of disseminating information pertaining to various traditional Ayurvedic practices and associated products.

In the lead-up to IDY 2026, the Embassy of India hosted a series of curtain-raiser events at multiple locations, including the historic Dupont Circle, Washington D.C., the headquarters of the World Bank, and in collaboration with community-based organizations.