International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations in Madhya Prant

As part of the nationwide observance of International Day of Yoga 2026, all the branch centres of Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari celebrated the occasion with great enthusiasm. The celebrations reflected Vivekananda Kendra's commitment to promoting the true spirit of Yoga as a way of life based on the vision of Oneness.

In Madhya Prant, International Day of Yoga programmes were organized at 51 locations, bringing together 2,373 participants from different sections of society. The branch-wise/Karyasthan-wise/Prakalpa-wise details are as follows:

• Janjgir Champa: 3 locations, 76 participants
• Bina: 9 locations, 96 participants
• Raipur: 2 locations, 70 participants
• Jabalpur: 2 locations, 51 participants
• Damoh: 2 locations, 30 participants
• VK NEEDAM, Gwalior: 3 locations, 105 participants
• Lalitpur: 1 location, 74 participants
• Tikamgarh: 2 locations, 48 participants
• Bilaspur: 3 locations, 458 participants
• Ahilya Nagar Indore: 2 locations, 98 participants
• Annapoorna Nagar: 2 locations, 150 participants
• Gwalior: 2 locations, 82 participants
• Bhopal: 2 locations, 158 participants
• Bhind: 1 location, 62 participants
• Sagar: 3 locations, 216 participants
• Jirapur: 1 location, 52 participants
• Ujjain: 1 location, 54 participants
• Dhar: 1 location, 32 participants
• Jhabua: 5 locations, 306 participants
• Durg: 1 location, 23 participants
• Shivpuri: 2 locations, 88 participants
• Jhansi: 1 location, 44 participants

The programmes were held at educational institutions, community centres, and public venues, making Yoga accessible to people of all age groups. Participants enthusiastically performed Yogasanas, Pranayama, and meditation in accordance with the Common Yoga Protocol issued by the Ministry of AYUSH.

The celebrations not only encouraged the practice of Yoga but also inspired participants to embrace a healthy, disciplined, and harmonious way of life.

Vimarsha Programme on Hindu Samrajyotsava Diwas organized at Mysore

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, Chamundeshwari Devi Vibhag, Mysore Branch organized a Vimarsha programme on 20 June 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The event, centered on the topic "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj-Hindu Samrajyotsava Diwas," drew a total of 35 participants, with 27 joining online and 8 attending offline.

The keynote speaker, Sri Nagesh Prabhu Ji, Vyavastha Pramukh, Chamundeshwari Devi Vibhag, delivered an insightful address tracing the glory of ancient India and its global influence. He highlighted the severe challenges external invasions posed to the nation's culture, dharma, and values, and explained how Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj envisioned and established Hindavi Swarajya to restore freedom, self-respect, and national pride.

Furthermore, Sri Nagesh Prabhu Ji emphasized the deep significance of Hindu Samrajyotsava, which commemorates Shivaji Maharaj’s historic coronation and the dawn of a kingdom built entirely on justice, courage, and self-rule. The inspiring discourse left the attendees motivated to emulate Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals of protecting dharma, respecting all communities, and serving society with unwavering dedication and integrity.

The programme concluded on a high note, marked by enthusiastic interaction from both the virtual and physical audiences.

10-day Yoga Satra at Jorhat

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Assam Prant, Rongpur Vibhag, Jorhat Branch, in collaboration with Sri Sri Satyanarayana Seva Samiti, Jorhat, organized a 10-day Yoga Satra from 12th to 21st June 2026 at Sri Sri Satyanarayana Seva Kendra, Jorhat. Conducted daily from 5:45 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., the Satra was attended by 35 participants, including members of the VK Satyanarayana Yoga Varg, students, and local residents. The programme aimed to provide systematic training in Yoga through the Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Satra syllabus, covering Yogasanas, Pranayama, relaxation techniques, and theory sessions on the definition and types of Yoga, Pancha Kosha, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, and Ashtanga Yoga.

The Yoga Satra was inaugurated by Dr. Priyabrata Sen, eminent Agricultural Biologist and President of Sri Sri Satyanarayana Seva Kendra, who emphasized the importance of regular and systematic Yoga practice for healthy ageing and the need for proper guidance to derive maximum benefits from Yogasanas and Pranayama. The inaugural programme was attended by Dr. Ranjit Kumar Choudhury, Shri Nalin Sarmah, Shri Pranjal Sharma, Smt. Munu Devi, and Shri Prithwiraj Purkayastha. The training sessions were conducted by Shri Pranjal Sharma, with the support of Niwasi Karyakartas Shri Kaustavmoni Saikia, Shri Hrishikesh Bordoloi, Shri Bhargab Jyoti Bora, Shri Kapil Ray, and Shri Hemprakash Medok.

The concluding day of the Yoga Satra coincided with the International Day of Yoga on 21st June 2026. A Yoga Sangam was organized in the morning in accordance with the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) under the Ministry of AYUSH, witnessing the participation of 75 yoga enthusiasts, including Yoga Satra participants, Sanskar Varga students, and members of the local community. A book stall featuring publications of Vivekananda Kendra was also organized and received an encouraging response.

The concluding ceremony was held in the evening with a Bhajan Sandhya at Sri Sri Satyanarayana Seva Kendra. Devotional bhajans rendered by Smt. Lakshmi Nath Chetry, Smt. Jhumpa Ghosh, and Smt. Purnima Bhattacharyya, accompanied on tabla by Shri Subir Mozumder, created a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Participation certificates were distributed to the Yoga Satra participants in the presence of Dr. Shilpi Dhar, Nagar Pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra, Jorhat Branch, Dr. Priyabrata Sen, President of Sri Sri Satyanarayana Seva Kendra, and Shri Abhijit Gupta, Secretary of Sri Sri Satyanarayana Seva Samiti.

During the valedictory session, several participants shared that the structured training had significantly deepened their understanding of Yoga and enhanced their practice. They expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive nature of the Satra and requested Vivekananda Kendra to organize similar programmes regularly so that more people could benefit from them.

Vivekananda Kendra and Kamaraj College Jointly Celebrate International Day of Yoga 2026 in Thoothukudi

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Thoothukudi Nagar, in collaboration with Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2026 on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 6.00 a.m. on the college grounds. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from school and college students, faculty members, and parents from across the district.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Dr. K. Bhanumathi, Principal, Kamaraj College (Autonomous). The programme was presided over by Dr. S. Kannadasan, District Inspector of Physical Education, Thoothukudi, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the vital role of yoga in nurturing physical fitness, mental well-being, and a balanced lifestyle, encouraging the participants to adopt yoga as a part of their daily routine.

Smt. Subathra Vetrivel, Sanchalak, Thoothukudi Nagar, along with the Nagar Samiti members and participants of the regular Yoga Varga, also took part in the celebrations.

The Common Yoga Protocol prescribed by the Ministry of AYUSH was demonstrated by the Karyakartas of Vivekananda Kendra. The session included loosening exercises, yogasanas, pranayama, meditation (dhyana), and concluded with the Sankalpa.

A total of 569 students and faculty members from various schools and colleges participated in the grand celebration. Participation certificates were distributed to all student participants to encourage continued practice of yoga, while the participating educational institutions were honoured with mementoes in appreciation of their support. Breakfast was served to all the children following the programme.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Dr. A. Mathana Gopal, Assistant Professor, Kamaraj College (Autonomous), and a Karyakarta of Vivekananda Kendra, Thoothukudi Nagar.

The programme was successfully organised through the dedicated efforts of the Karyakartas of Vivekananda Kendra, Thoothukudi Nagar, in close coordination with the faculty members of Kamaraj College, making the celebration a meaningful and memorable observance of the International Day of Yoga.

International Day of Yoga Celebration at Panchalingapuram in Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, celebrated the International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2026, at the premises of Arulmigu Devi Sri Mutharamman Temple, Panchalingapuram, Kanyakumari from 7.00 a.m. to 8.15 a.m. The programme marked a significant departure from previous years, as the celebrations were organised outside the headquarters campus for the first time to facilitate wider participation from the local community.

The programme was presided over by Mananeeya Kum. Nivedita Didi, All India Vice President of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra. Addressing the gathering, didi traced the history and significance of the International Day of Yoga and emphasised the transformative role of yoga in promoting individual well-being and societal harmony. Didi also encouraged everyone to make Yoga Sadhana an integral part of their daily lives.

Following her address, the temple committee felicitated Mananeeya Kum. Nivedita Didi and the organising team in recognition of their efforts in bringing the celebration to the local community.

The Common Yoga Protocol prescribed by the Ministry of AYUSH was then demonstrated by Shri Udayakumar Anna, Prant IT Pramukh. The session included loosening exercises, yogasanas, pranayama, meditation (dhyana), and concluded with the Sankalpa.

Aadaraneeya Kum. Radha Devi, Prant Sanghatak, Tamil Nadu, addressed the participants and expressed her gratitude to the temple committee and local volunteers for their wholehearted support in organising the programme. She also outlined the Kendra’s plan to initiate regular activities in the village in the coming months.

A total of 93 participants, including children, local residents, and Vivekananda Kendra staff members, enthusiastically took part in the celebration.

The programme was organised with the active support of the temple committee and local volunteers under the guidance of Adarneeya Kum. Radha Devi, Secretary (Administration), Headquarters.

As a follow-up to the event, Vivekananda Kendra will gradually introduce its Karyapaddhati in Panchalingapuram, beginning with regular Yoga Satras in the coming months.