Press Release
The High Commission of India in Suva and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21 June 2026 (Sunday) with Yoga demonstration at the iconic Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) in Suva. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations as Chief Guest.
In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly had on the initiative of India, declared June 21, as the International Day of Yoga. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 theme is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing". He emphasized that millions globally are actively seeking sustainable ways to remain active. He highlighted the theme's importance, stating it addresses one of the most significant requirements of the modern era.
The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, hosted the inaugural World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from June 4–8, 2026. The event brought together over 500 athletes from more than 60 countries to compete in traditional, artistic, and rhythmic yogasana disciplines. In the lead-up to the International Day of Yoga 2026, on June 14, 2026, the Ministry of Ayush successfully set a new Guinness World Record for the "Most viewers for a YouTube live yoga stream." The massive online session drew 435,831 verified viewers streaming simultaneously. These initiatives served as a global curtain-raiser for the broader International Day of Yoga celebrations, which are observed annually on June 21.
Hon’ble Minister Singh, in his address, underscored the importance of yoga as a powerful tool for achieving harmony of body, mind, and spirit, especially in today’s demanding world. Aligning with this year’s theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing,' the Minister highlighted yoga’s role in promoting wellness, particularly among the middle-aged population. He acknowledged that yoga should be introduced in workplace to tackle stress and improve productivity. He recognized and thanked the High Commission of India in Fiji for its continued efforts in promoting yoga and raising awareness of its benefits across the nation.
High Commissioner Suneet Mehta, in his welcome address, expressed sincere gratitude to the Hon. Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, distinguished guests and yoga enthusiasts for joining the International Day of Yoga 2026. Highlighting this year’s theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, he emphasized Yoga’s role in promoting physical health, mental well-being and emotional resilience throughout all stages of life. He noted that Yoga has evolved into a global movement for wellness, bringing together people across cultures, religions and nationalities. High Commissioner also highlighted the growing popularity of Yoga in Fiji through the efforts of SVCC and its outreach programmes conducted across schools and communities. Describing Yoga as a bridge of friendship between India and Fiji, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to promoting health, wellness and cultural cooperation in Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
The International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 celebration at the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) brought together approximately 200 yoga enthusiasts, including senior dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, representatives of Indian diaspora organizations, and prominent leaders from the business community. In the lead-up to the main event, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) conducted pre-IDY activities across nine schools and hosted a "Curtain Raiser," facilitating a total of 45 yoga sessions.
While the main event was held in Suva, the High Commission of India ensured that the spirit of IDY 2026 resonated throughout the region. Within Fiji, additional celebrations were held in Rakiraki, Nadi, Nausori, Labasa, Seaqaqa, and Lautoka. In the countries of our concurrent accreditation, the High Commission also successfully organized IDY commemorations. The High Commissioner attended IDY celebration in Tarawa, Kiribati, on 17 June 2026 during his visit to Kiribati. 12th IDY was also celebrated in Funafuti, Tuvalu, on 19 June, and in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on 20 June 2026.
21 June 2026
Suva
