Ankara, June 21 – The Indian Embassy in Ankara celebrated the International Yoga Day on June 21, 2026. The event, held in Ankara, was attended by Turkish citizens, academics, diplomats, and Indians living in Turkey, highlighting the global movement of yoga for a healthy lifestyle.
Global Movement for Healthy Living
According to a written statement from the Embassy, the celebration saw significant participation from various groups. Indian Ambassador to Ankara, Muktesh Pardeshi, emphasized the growing global recognition of yoga as a movement for healthy living. “Yoga brings harmony to the body, mind, and nature. Yoga helps to remain calm, peaceful, and thoughtful in stressful situations,” Pardeshi stated.
Yoga for All Ages
Ambassador Pardeshi also pointed out that yoga is suitable for people of all ages. He highlighted that everyone, including mothers, pregnant women, and the elderly, can practice yoga. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” underscored the importance of yoga at every stage of life.
Event Highlights and Awards
The celebration included a yoga session, demonstrating various poses and techniques. Ambassador Pardeshi presented awards to the winners of the Yoga Photo Contest and the Yoga Asna Championship, competitions organized by the embassy to encourage participation and promote the art of yoga.
Widespread Yoga Events in Turkey
The International Yoga Day, now in its 12th year of celebration, has seen increased outreach efforts by the Indian Embassy. In 2026, the Embassy organized yoga events in several Turkish provinces, including Kars, Tokat, Samsun, Gaziantep, Izmir, Nevşehir, and Bolu, further spreading awareness and practice of yoga across the country.
These events aim to foster cultural exchange and promote the benefits of yoga for physical and mental well-being among the Turkish population and the Indian diaspora.
