The 12th edition of the International Day of Yoga was observed with much fervour and celebrations in the country and across the globe. However, few celebrations stole the spotlight for spreading the message of health, wellness and the timeless ancient Indian wisdom of yoga in the most unique ways. The theme of the year is “Yoga for healthy ageing” that resonates the marvels of yoga as a key to ensure sound physical health, mental wellness and to lead a fulfilling life.
Yoga on 500 boats in Kolkata
Kolkata wrote history by performing yoga on 500 boats floating amidst the sacred ganga river, beneath the iconic Howrah bridge. The attempt etched a place in the Guinness World Record for propogating the message of unity, culture and wellness across the world.
Kolkata is ready to make history ✨🇮🇳
500 Boats, One River, Thousand of people for the first time ever, Kolkata is set to attempt a Guinness World Record as Yoga on 500 boats floating across the sacred Ganga beneath the iconic Hawrah Bridge.
A moment of unity, culture and… pic.twitter.com/i03bjSFjBP— Mishra Aarti 🦚 (@The_ArtiMishra2) June 21, 2026
Yoga on tug vessel at Kandla: Symbol of strength & resilience
As part of the celebrations of International Day of Yoga 2026, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, organised a special yoga session onboard a tug vessel, symbolising the harmonious blend of strength, balance and resilience. DPA officials, along with members of the Women Employees Group, participated in the session and embraced the spirit of yoga.
⚓🧘♀️As part of the celebrations of International Day of Yoga 2026, DPA, Kandla observed Yoga session on-board Tug, symbolizing the harmonious blend of strength, balance and resilience.
DPA officials and the Women Employees Group enthusiastically participated in the session,… pic.twitter.com/J3WLcUu9cX
— Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla (@Deendayal_Port) June 21, 2026
Siachen Sniffers & Indian Army perform yoga on the world’s highest battlefield
The Siachen Sniffers and their handlers celebrated International Yoga Day amidst the icy heights of the world’s highest battlefield. Against a backdrop of snow, silence and sub-zero temperatures, the four-legged warriors and their handlers participated in yoga activities, highlighting the importance of focus, endurance, resilience and overall well-being in one of the most challenging environments on earth.
The Siachen Sniffers and their handlers celebrated International Yoga Day amidst the icy heights of the world's highest battlefield. Against a backdrop of snow, silence and sub-zero temperatures, the four-legged warriors and their handlers participated in yoga activities,… pic.twitter.com/fhuEUQX85A
— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026
Underwater Yoga by Indian Navy
The Indian Navy undertook a unique initiative by organizing a special underwater yoga session at INS Satavahana, the integrated submarine training base of the Indian Navy at Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. “Conducted amidst challenging conditions, this practice not only showcased the Navy’s exceptional underwater operational capabilities and proficiency, but it also served as an unparalleled example of the perfect synergy between yoga, military discipline and physical fitness. This adventurous and distinctive underwater endeavor by the Indian Navy has given the global message of yoga, a new depth and dimension”, reported the sources.
On the occasion of #InternationalDayOfYoga, the Indian Navy undertook a unique initiative by organizing a special underwater yoga session at #INS_Satavahana.
Conducted amidst challenging conditions, this practice not only showcases the Navy's exceptional underwater operational… pic.twitter.com/Qpss8wkSy8
— DD News (@DDNewslive) June 21, 2026
Floating Yoga at Dal Lake, Kashmir
In Jammu and Kashmir, the 12th International Yoga Day was celebrated by performing a unique floating yoga. The main event held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) by the banks of Dal Lake. Another notable event was held in Pokhribal Lake in Downtown Srinagar, where a first-of-its-kind floating yoga was performed by a group of young athletes and yoga & water sports enthusiasts.
The floating yoga event in Pokhribal Lake was organised and led by Kashmir’s ‘Aqua Queen’ Bilquees Mir, who is an international water sports coach. About 30 participants, including Bilquees, participated in the hour-long floating yoga session. Among the participants were 15 boys and 15 girls.
“This is the first time we have done yoga in water. Our aim was to raise awareness not just about fitness but the environment as well”, the coach said to a private media platform. “We belong to water sports, and water is vital for nature. So, we see this as a chance to raise awareness”, she added.
Water sports enthusiasts in Jammu and Kashmir showcased a unique floating yoga session on the serene waters of Pokhribal Lake. Balancing on floating boards, participants performed various yoga asanas, blending mindfulness with water sports in a visually stunning display. pic.twitter.com/835MUq8iJA
— Mojo Story (@themojostory) June 20, 2026
Aqua Yoga session at Vadodara
In Gujarat’s Vadodara, residents performed aqua yoga in a swimming pool at Sama Sports Complex to mark the International Yoga Day celebrations. Participants carried out various yoga poses while standing in the pool. The session highlighted how yoga can be practised in different environments while helping improve physical and mental well being.
#WATCH | Gujarat: People perform underwater Yoga in Vadodara on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga.
The theme for this year's Yoga Day is 'Yoga For Healthy Ageing' pic.twitter.com/HLFWNPFXnD
— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026
Yoga on vessels cruising on Brahmaputra
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) celebrated the International Day of Yoga in a riverine way by conducting yoga sessions aboard vessels cruising on the Brahmaputra across Assam.
A unique celebration on the Brahmaputra! 🚢🧘♂️
The IWAI family observed the 12th International Day of Yoga with enthusiasm across Pandu, Bogibeel and Jogighopa in Assam promoting health, well-being and togetherness. #IDY2026 #YogaForHealthyAgeing pic.twitter.com/hDTDiaouoO
— IWAI (@IWAI_ShipMin) June 21, 2026
At Pandu in Guwahati, IWAI officials, employees and yoga enthusiasts boarded the tugs MPT Sukhdev and HPT B.R. Ambedkar, and performed yoga while sailing on National Waterway 2(River Brahmaputra). Similar celebrations were organised at Jogighopa aboard WB Saffron, while yoga sessions were also held aboard WB Iris and WB Tansy at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh.
“IWAI is proud to celebrate International Day of Yoga in a manner that reflects our unique identity as custodians of the country’s inland waterways. Conducting yoga sessions aboard vessels on the Brahmaputra symbolises the harmony between human well-being and nature, while reinforcing the message of a healthy, sustainable and inclusive future”, said IWAI sources.
