Kalinga Stadium Witnesses Grand Yoga Day Celebration
The spirit of yoga swept across Odisha and the nation as the 12th International Day of Yoga was celebrated with great enthusiasm on Saturday. A grand state-level event was organised at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, where Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi participated in a mass yoga session and addressed the gathering.
Emphasising the importance of yoga in daily life, the Chief Minister said that yoga is essential for physical fitness, mental well-being and intellectual development. He noted that International Yoga Day is now being observed across countries worldwide, while every district in Odisha is actively participating in the celebrations.
‘Yoga Before Medicine’: CM’s Message to Citizens
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi urged people to make yoga and pranayama a part of their daily routine. He advised citizens to dedicate at least 20 to 30 minutes every day to yoga practice for a stress-free life and better health.
“Practice yoga before taking medicine,” the Chief Minister said, highlighting yoga as a preventive healthcare measure. He described yoga as the best remedy for healthy ageing and encouraged senior citizens to adopt yogic practices regularly.
He also stressed the need for individuals to remain physically fit before health problems arise, noting that issues such as high blood pressure, stress and other lifestyle-related ailments become more common with age.
‘Leave the Mobile, Pick Up the Yoga Mat’
In a strong message to the younger generation, Mohan Majhi urged youth to reduce their dependence on mobile phones and social media.
“Leave the mobile phone and pick up the yoga mat,” he said, encouraging young people to spend at least 20 to 30 minutes daily on yoga instead of excessive screen time. According to the Chief Minister, regular yoga practice boosts self-confidence, improves concentration and helps reduce the risk of diseases.
He added that yoga is not merely a physical exercise but a way of life that promotes overall well-being and personal growth.
Yoga to Be Promoted in Educational Institutions
The Chief Minister announced that yoga education would be strengthened in schools and colleges to encourage healthy lifestyles among students from an early age. He stated that the government’s primary objective is to transform yoga into a people’s movement and ensure that its benefits reach every household across Odisha.
As part of this initiative, the state government plans to establish a dedicated yoga institution on 20 acres of land at Binjhagiri near Jatni.
Global Participation Marks 12th International Yoga Day
International Yoga Day is observed annually to create awareness about the benefits of yoga and encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles. This year marks the 12th edition of the global event.
The theme for International Yoga Day 2026 is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting the role of yoga in promoting long-term health and active ageing.
Yoga Day celebrations are being held at nearly 2,500 locations across the world and through more than 210 Indian missions abroad, demonstrating the growing global popularity of India’s ancient wellness tradition.
Yoga Emerges as a Global Movement
What began as an Indian cultural and spiritual practice has evolved into a worldwide movement for health and wellness. As millions participate in yoga sessions across continents, the celebration reflects yoga’s increasing significance in promoting physical fitness, mental balance and harmony in modern life.
With leaders, institutions and citizens joining hands in the observance, International Yoga Day continues to reinforce the message that yoga is a powerful tool for building healthier individuals and a healthier society.