The Ministry of Tourism celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 with a series of events across the country, reaffirming its commitment to promoting wellness, holistic health and mindful living within the tourism and hospitality sector.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, participated in a yoga session at Shantikshetra Ashram in Karjat, Maharashtra. Emphasising the significance of yoga, he said that it enables individuals to serve society and the nation to their fullest potential by keeping both the body and mind healthy.
As part of the nationwide observance, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), organised a special International Day of Yoga programme at The Ashok in New Delhi. The session, led by expert instructors from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), saw participation from more than 150 representatives from over 10 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), along with senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Public Enterprises.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighted the role of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, emotional resilience and healthy longevity. Tourism Secretary Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar described yoga as India’s timeless gift to the world, saying it inspires healthier lives and stronger communities while fostering harmony between the mind, body and spirit.
Extending the celebrations to the tourism and hospitality education sector, Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) across the country organised yoga sessions and awareness programmes. Students, faculty members and staff participated enthusiastically, encouraging future hospitality professionals to adopt wellness as an integral part of their personal and professional lives.
