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International Day of Yoga: 21 June, and where to join it in India
One breath, many millions, on the longest day
The International Day of Yoga is held every year on 21 June, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere; the next one is 21 June 2027. The United Nations proclaimed it in 2014 on a proposal from India, and in India it is a morning event rather than a festival: free mass sessions at sunrise in parks, on riverfronts and at landmarks, all following one 45-minute Common Yoga Protocol that beginners can join. Rishikesh's ashrams and Mysuru, home of Ashtanga, add classes of their own.
June 21: the world unrolls its mats for India's gift to global wellbeing
Fixed date, set by the United Nations in 2014.
The legend
The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, "to harness, to join", and is a cousin of the English word yoke.
Hindu tradition says that on the summer solstice Shiva, the first yogi, begins teaching yoga to people and becomes the first guru.
In the early centuries CE the sage Patanjali gathers the teaching into the Yoga Sutras, nearly two hundred short aphorisms.
In 2014 India proposes to the UN a Day of Yoga on 21 June, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Meaning
Rishikesh
In 1968 the Beatles studied meditation at the Maharishi's ashram here, and eighteen songs written there went on the White Album.
Mysuru
Here, under the Maharaja's patronage, taught Krishnamacharya, the "father of modern yoga"; his students included Pattabhi Jois and B. K. S. Iyengar.
Customs
At sunrise
Mass sessions begin around sunrise, before the heat sets in.
Surya namaskar
The salute to the sun: a flowing set of about twelve postures dedicated to the sun god Surya.
One protocol
Everyone follows one sequence of warm-ups, asanas, breathing and meditation, gentle enough for beginners.
Words of the festival
आसन
asana
a yoga posture; originally the word for a seated meditation pose
प्राणायाम
pranayama
control of the breath; prana here means breath
सूत्र
sutra
"thread": a terse aphorism; the Yoga Sutras are woven from them
True or myth
✅ True. In 2015, 35,985 people from 84 nations performed 21 asanas on Rajpath, the largest yoga class ever held.
❌ Myth. Asana is only the third of eight limbs, and the goal is to still the movements of the mind.
✅ True. The Rajah of Aundh popularised it in the early 20th century, and in Mysore Palace its classes ran next door to the yoga hall until Krishnamacharya adopted it.
How the day began
The proposal was first made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the opening of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly. The draft resolution, proposed by India, was endorsed by a record 175 member states, and on 11 December 2014 the UN proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The date is the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, and a Hindu legend tells that on this day Shiva, the first yogi (Adiyogi), began teaching yoga to people and became the first guru.
The first Yoga Day, in 2015, set world records: 35,985 people from 84 nations performed 21 asanas on Rajpath in Delhi, the largest yoga class ever held. Each year since has had an official theme.
How India marks it
In India the day is a major public event, often led by the Prime Minister at a flagship venue. At its heart is the Common Yoga Protocol, a structured 45-minute routine of warm-ups, asanas, breathing (pranayama) and meditation, developed in 2015 by leading yoga gurus and gentle enough for beginners. The national session runs from 7:00 to 7:45 in the morning within a one-hour event and is broadcast on national television, and the same sequence is followed in parks, schools, offices, ashrams and yoga centres across the country, as well as abroad.
The ideas behind it are old. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, "to harness, to join". In the early centuries CE the sage Patanjali gathered the teaching into the Yoga Sutras, nearly two hundred short aphorisms, in which postures are only the third of eight limbs and the goal is to still the movements of the mind.
Where to spend Yoga Day in India
Free sessions are easy to join wherever you are; these are the places where yoga is a way of life all year.
Rishikesh
On the Ganga in the Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh calls itself the Yoga Capital of the World, and its riverside ashrams hold special sessions on the day. In 1968 the Beatles studied meditation at the Maharishi's ashram here. See yoga in Rishikesh for ashrams and classes.
Mysuru
Home of Ashtanga yoga. Here, under the Maharaja's patronage, taught Krishnamacharya, often called the father of modern yoga; his students included Pattabhi Jois and B. K. S. Iyengar.
Isha Yoga Center, near Coimbatore
Offers immersive programmes, and many such centres open their doors with free sessions on 21 June.
Tips for joining a session
Mass sessions begin around sunrise, before the June heat sets in.
- Come early — Most mass events start around sunrise; the national session begins at 7:00.
- Bring a mat or towel — Many classes are free and open to all on the day, and you rarely need to book.
- Dress light, eat light — Wear comfortable, loose clothing and skip a heavy breakfast before practising.
- Learn it beforehand — Organisers encourage participants to get to know the protocol in advance; the official Yoga Day handbook from the Ayush ministry's yoga institute puts full learning at about 15 hours, an hour a day, but following along on the day is fine.
- Beginners welcome — The Common Yoga Protocol is designed for everyone, so no experience is needed.
Not to be confused with
Yoga Day is a single morning. India also has longer yoga festivals: the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh (9–15 March 2027) and the four-day International Yoga Festival in Puducherry, run by Puducherry Tourism (4–7 January 2027, expected).
FAQ
What international day is celebrated on June 21st?
The International Day of Yoga, proclaimed by the United Nations in 2014 (resolution 69/131) and held every year on 21 June. Next: 21 June 2027.
Why is Yoga Day on 21 June?
It is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. A Hindu legend also tells that on this day Shiva, the first yogi, began teaching yoga.
When was the first International Yoga Day?
On 21 June 2015. In Delhi 35,985 people from 84 nations performed 21 asanas on Rajpath, the largest yoga class ever held.
Is there a national Yoga Day in India?
India marks the International Day of Yoga as a national event: a synchronised session on the Common Yoga Protocol from 7:00 to 7:45, held across the country.
What is the Common Yoga Protocol?
A structured 45-minute sequence of warm-ups, asanas, pranayama and meditation, developed in 2015 and promoted by the Ministry of Ayush, that everyone follows on Yoga Day. It is gentle enough for beginners.
Do I need to book a Yoga Day session?
Usually not: many sessions are free and open to all. Bring a mat or towel and arrive before sunrise.
Sources (3)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.