Press Releases

            The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was organized by the Embassy in the cities of Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, Jalalabad, Kant and Osh  in the Kyrgyz Republic on the theme of “Yoga for Healthy Aging”. The curtain raiser event was held on 2 May 2026 on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake to mark the 50-day countdown to the main IDY event.  More than 100 Indian students, faculty and staff members of International Higher School of Medicine(IHSM), Cholpon-Ata participated in the Yoga session.

2.         Embassy organized the 25-day Countdown session at the Embassy Residence attended by more than 50 members from Press, Media representatives and Yoga instructors from various Yoga studios in Bishkek.

3.         International Day of Yoga  was organized by the Embassy in the backdrop of the iconic monument of Kurmanjan Datka in Bishkek on the evening of 21 June 2026, in collaboration with the Office of the Mayor of Bishkek City.  Ambassador Mr. Birender Singh Yadav, Bishkek City Hall representative, Ms Antre Growe, UN Residence Commissioner and Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), Hon’ble Governor of Bihar (visited Bishkek to participate in 40th Anniversary of Chingiz Aitamov International Forum in Kyrgyz Republic) addressed the gathering of more than 400 persons,  which was followed by cultural performances by Kauhar Group and cultural group from Bishkek City Hall.

4.         In his address, Ambassador mentioned The Ministry of Ayush set a Guinness World Record for the "Most Viewers for a YouTube Live Yoga Stream" by gathering 4,35,831 verified viewers on their official YouTube channel. The record-breaking session was held as a run-up to the International Day of Yoga on 14 June 2026, organized in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) and Habuild. Ambassador also stated that with India’s Bid for the 2036 Olympics, Efforts are Underway to Establish Yogasana as an Olympic Sport” as was stated by Indian’s Sports Minister. “Yoga Has Become India’s Soft Power and a Medium of Health, Economic Opportunity and Global Recognition” and First World Yogasana Championship was Held in from 4-8 June 2026; Participants from 75 Countries attended the event and Mr Dainel, Director of Yoga Federation of KR participated and won bronze for Kyrgyzstan. Ambassador also conveyed Prime Minister's message that yoga is not restricted to any age group. individuals should aim to be more flexible at 40 than they were at 20, and more energetic at 50 than they were at 30. He stressed that yoga provides a critical pathway from mental health to physical fitness, helping practitioners live balanced lives and guiding human conduct toward positive awareness and inner peace. The journey of yoga over the past 12 years reflects India’s message of unity, wellness and inner strength.

5. Ms. Antje Grawe, UN Resident Commissioner read out the message of UN Secretary-General António Guterres's message for the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026—celebrated under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Aging”—highlighted yoga as a universal practice that promotes balance, wholeness, physical and mental well-being, mobility, and dignity, while urging global care and solidarity for older generations.

6. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Davletbek Tugolbaev, head of the City Development Policy Department of the Bishkek City Hall, noted that celebrating the International Day of Yoga has become a good annual tradition for the capital.

7. Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.) also addressed the gathering and explained the significance of proposing June 21 to the United Nations because it represents the Summer Solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere (and Kyrgyzstan is also in Northern Hemisphere), this day marks the transition into Dakshinayana (the period when the Sun moves southward), which is traditionally considered a highly supportive time for spiritual practices.

8. Yoga selfie booths and Ayurveda Corner was additionally set up at the venue for the purpose of disseminating information pertaining to various traditional Ayurvedic practices and associated health benefits.

9.         Separately, IDY was in the city of Osh State University. Vice Rector of the Osh State university addressed the gathering of more than 100 stuedents. Jalalabad International University celebrated IDY at its campus, attended by more than 100 students, faculty and Kyrgyz community members. S. Tentishev Asian Medical Institute, Kant, Bishkek celebrated the IDY at its Campus  and more than 70 students performed yoga, as per Common Yoga Protocol.

 10. The event was covered by local Press & media. The details are as follows:

https://en.kabar.kg/news/bishkek-marks-yoga-day/

https://24.kg/english/378924_Bishkek_marks_International_Day_of_Yoga/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G01ElDaeQQQ

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Bishkek

29 June 2026