Kolkata Yoga Day 2026: CM Adhikari flags off 3-day event with marathon
Synopsis
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari opened Kolkata's three-day Yoga Day build-up on 19 June by running a city marathon and joining a public yoga session — all ahead of a June 21 mega event at Red Road where PM Modi is expected to address over 38,000 registered participants.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated a three-day International Yoga Day celebration in Kolkata on 19 June 2026 .
The 'CITY OF JOY — Daud Se Dhyan 2026' marathon ran from the KMC building to the Writers' Buildings in central Kolkata.
Tennis champion and BJP leader Leander Paes joined CM Adhikari and cabinet colleagues in the marathon.
The main event on 21 June will be held at Red Road , with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend.
Over 38,000 people have registered; seating is arranged for 35,000 , with lakhs expected through simultaneous events across the city.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on 19 June 2026 inaugurated a three-day celebration of International Yoga Day in Kolkata, personally participating in an inaugural marathon and a public yoga session in the heart of the city. The events precede the main programme on 21 June, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Red Road in central Kolkata.
Marathon Kicks Off the Celebrations
The festivities began with the 'CITY OF JOY — Daud Se Dhyan 2026' marathon, flagged off from the main building of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) in the New Market area. The run concluded at the Writers' Buildings, the historic state secretariat. Chief Minister Adhikari ran alongside cabinet colleagues, the general public, and tennis champion and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Leander Paes, drawing a large crowd.
Public Yoga Session at State Secretariat
Following the marathon, a public yoga session was held in front of the Writers' Buildings. CM Adhikari participated in the session and was seen performing various Yoga Mudras alongside citizens. Addressing participants, he said: 'It was truly inspiring to see the immense energy and enthusiastic participation of the citizens. Let us continue to integrate Yoga into our daily routines, fostering a cleaner, greener and fitter society. Greetings to all the participants for making this event a grand success.'
What the Chief Minister Said on Yoga
On Thursday, while outlining the state government's plans, Adhikari was categorical that participation in yoga activities would remain voluntary. 'Yoga cannot be enforced on anyone. Yoga originated from the soil of West Bengal. Now, we are attempting to restore the same in its original place,' he said. The remarks position the state government's initiative as a cultural reclamation rather than a top-down mandate.
Scale of the 21 June Main Event
The centrepiece programme on 21 June is slated for Red Road, selected by the administration to avoid muddy conditions at open grounds during the ongoing rainy season. As many as 38,000 people have already registered, with seating arranged for approximately 35,000 in front of the main stage. The administration, however, anticipates attendance in the lakhs through simultaneous programmes across Kolkata and nearby areas. Prime Minister Modi's presence is expected to make it one of the largest single-venue yoga gatherings in the state's history.
Point of View
Distancing the event from any perception of cultural imposition in a state with a historically diverse political base. The real measure of success will be the June 21 turnout: with 38,000 registered but lakhs anticipated, the gap between official numbers and ground reality will be closely watched.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Yoga Day 2026 event in Kolkata?
It is a three-day celebration inaugurated on 19 June 2026 by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, culminating in a mega programme at Red Road in central Kolkata on 21 June. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the main event, which has over 38,000 registered participants.
What is the 'Daud Se Dhyan 2026' marathon?
It is an inaugural city marathon held on 19 June 2026 as part of the Yoga Day celebrations, starting from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation building in New Market and ending at the Writers' Buildings. CM Adhikari, cabinet colleagues, and Leander Paes participated in the run.
Where will the main Yoga Day event be held on 21 June?
The main programme will be held at Red Road in central Kolkata. The venue was chosen by the administration to avoid muddy conditions at open grounds during the rainy season, with seating for approximately 35,000 people in front of the main stage.
Who is Leander Paes and why was he at the Kolkata marathon?
Leander Paes is a former Indian tennis champion and a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He joined Chief Minister Adhikari and other cabinet colleagues in the 'Daud Se Dhyan 2026' marathon on 19 June 2026.
What did CM Adhikari say about yoga being compulsory?
CM Adhikari stated that 'Yoga cannot be enforced on anyone,' emphasising voluntary participation. He also claimed that yoga originated from the soil of West Bengal and described the state's efforts as an attempt to restore it to its original place.
