Published: 12:51 AM, 22 June 2026
Indian High Commission celebrates International Yoga Day in Bangladesh
Vibrant events marking the International Yoga Day were organized by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka yesterday.- AA
The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), High Commission of India celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with vibrant participation of yoga enthusiasts, students, wellness practitioners and distinguished guests at Bashundhara Sports City, Dhaka on Sunday, 21 June 2026. Observed annually on 21 June, the International Day of Yoga celebrates yoga-an ancient practice that originated in India and has gained worldwide 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 program was the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session, conducted by Shahanaz Parvin, Yoga Teacher at IGCC, along with her students. The large gathering enthusiastically performed the series of yoga postures and breathing exercises designed for beginners and intermediate yoga practitioners. The event also featured yoga demonstrations by members of prominent yoga institutions 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), showcasing the growing popularity and diversity of yoga practice in Bangladesh. A special attraction of this year's celebration was the Ayurveda Lounge, which promoted awareness about 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. The lounge also showcased books on Ayurveda accessible for the public through the High Commission of India Library.
The main event marked the culmination of an extensive series of outreach activities organized in the lead-up to IDY 2026. Following the curtain-raiser event on 6 May 2026, IGCC, High Commission of India, Dhaka organized and supported more than 36 yoga-related pre-events across Bangladesh in collaboration with yoga institutes, media organizations and educational institutions, helping raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and encouraging wider public participation.
The event partners included 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, for their valuable contribution to the successful organization of the event. The celebration reaffirmed the enduring message of yoga as a unifying force that promotes harmony, health and well-being, and reflected the strong and growing interest in yoga among the people of Bangladesh.
