Khajuraho to Host 25-Day Countdown Event for International Day of Yoga 2026.
Yoga Mahotsav 2026 to Begin at UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh.
Khajuraho:
Khajuraho, the world-renowned heritage town in Madhya Pradesh, is all set to host the “Yoga Mahotsav – 25-Day Countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026” at the iconic Western Group of Temples on May 27. The event is being organised by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Ministry of Ayush as part of the nationwide preparations for the 12th International Day of Yoga.
Ahead of the grand event, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav addressed a press conference in Khajuraho on Tuesday. Member of Parliament Vishnu Dutt Sharma and Rajnagar MLA Arvind Pateriya were also present.
Speaking to the media, Prataprao Jadhav described Yoga Mahotsav 2026 as a significant milestone in the countrywide campaign aimed at increasing awareness and participation ahead of International Day of Yoga 2026. He said the Ministry of Ayush is conducting a 100-day nationwide countdown campaign in association with 100 institutions across 100 locations to promote Yoga among citizens.
The Minister highlighted that Yoga, deeply rooted in India’s ancient cultural and spiritual traditions, has now become a global movement for holistic health and wellness following the United Nations’ adoption of the International Day of Yoga in 2014, based on the initiative proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He further informed that under the “Yoga 365 Days” initiative, MDNIY, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush and Habuild, is running a 100-day free Yoga training campaign until June 21. More than two lakh participants have already registered as “Yoga Mitras” under the programme.
Emphasising the importance of organising the event at Khajuraho, Prataprao Jadhav said the historic town symbolises India’s rich cultural legacy and provides a perfect setting to showcase the connection between ancient traditions and modern wellness practices.
“Yoga is a priceless gift of India’s ancient wisdom tradition, which has shown the world the path of a balanced, holistic, and healthy lifestyle. At a time when lifestyle-related diseases are increasing globally, Yoga is emerging as a scientifically supported and effective solution. Organising Yoga Mahotsav at Khajuraho beautifully reflects the harmony between India’s heritage and modern wellness,” he stated.
The programme is scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. and will witness the participation of Yoga practitioners, students, wellness enthusiasts, officials, and citizens from across the country. Participants will collectively perform the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at the temple complex.
The event will also be attended by Madhya Pradesh AYUSH Minister Inder Singh Parmar, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush Monalisa Dash, Director of MDNIY Prof. Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, senior ministry officials, Yoga experts, representatives from AYUSH systems and modern medicine, along with Yoga practitioners from different regions of India.
As part of the celebrations, “Ayush Aahara” will also be distributed among the participants.
Known globally for its magnificent temple architecture and peaceful environment, Khajuraho offers an ideal backdrop for the Yoga Mahotsav. The event is expected to further strengthen the nationwide momentum leading up to International Day of Yoga 2026 while promoting India’s traditional wellness practices on the global stage.
