02/05/2026
Yoga Mahotsav 2026, organised by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush, marked the commencement of the 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 at Heartfulness, Kanha Shanti Vanam. The ceremony began with the auspicious lamp lighting by distinguished dignitaries including G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Coal and Mines; Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (IC) for Ayush, Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana, D. K. Aruna, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Mahabubnagar; and Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Chevella.
The programme was further enriched by the presence of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Ms.Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and Kashinath Samagandi, Director, MDNIY.
The programme featured felicitation of dignitaries, cultural presentations including Natyayoga, yoga demonstrations.The event witnessed enthusiastic virtual participation from across India and several countries, reflecting the expanding global engagement with yoga. It reinforced the importance of integrating yoga into daily life and building sustained momentum towards IDY 2026.