Khajuraho to Host 25-Day Countdown Event for Yoga Day 2026

• Yoga Mahotsav 2026 to be held at Khajuraho temples on May 27
• Ministry of Ayush intensifies nationwide countdown for IDY 2026
• Over two lakh “Yoga Mitras” registered under Yoga 365 Days campaign
• Common Yoga Protocol session to be organised at heritage site

GG News Bureau
Khajurao, 26th May: The Ministry of Ayush will organise the “Yoga Mahotsav – 25-Day Countdown to International Day of Yoga 2026” on May 27 at the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

Ahead of the event, Union Minister of State for Ayush and Health Prataprao Jadhav addressed a press conference in Khajuraho on Tuesday.

Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Khajuraho Vishnu Dutt Sharma and Rajnagar MLA Arvind Pateriya were also present during the briefing.

Addressing the media, Jadhav said the event marks an important milestone in preparations for the 12th International Day of Yoga and reflects the government’s commitment to expanding Yoga’s reach across the country.

He said the ministry is conducting a 100-day nationwide countdown campaign in collaboration with 100 institutions across 100 locations to boost awareness and public participation ahead of IDY 2026.

The minister noted that Yoga, rooted in India’s ancient cultural and spiritual traditions, has evolved into a global movement for holistic wellness following the United Nations’ recognition of the International Day of Yoga after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative in 2014.

Highlighting the significance of the venue, Jadhav said Khajuraho symbolises the harmony between India’s rich cultural heritage and modern wellness practices.

“Yoga is a priceless gift of India’s ancient wisdom tradition, which has shown the world the path of a balanced, holistic and healthy lifestyle,” he said.

Under the “Yoga 365 Days” initiative, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, in partnership with the Ministry of Ayush and Habuild, is currently running a 100-day free Yoga training campaign till June 21.

Officials said more than two lakh participants have already registered as “Yoga Mitras” under the programme.

The Yoga Mahotsav programme will begin at 6 am and will feature a large-scale Common Yoga Protocol session involving Yoga practitioners, students, officials and wellness enthusiasts from across the country.

Madhya Pradesh Ayush Minister Inder Singh Parmar, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Ayush Monalisa Dash, MDNIY Director Prof. Kashinath Samagandi and senior ministry officials are expected to attend the event.

Ayush Aahara will also be distributed among participants during the programme.

Officials said the event aims to further strengthen nationwide momentum ahead of International Day of Yoga 2026 while promoting India’s cultural heritage and wellness traditions globally.