Bhubaneswar: Odisha on Monday launched a week-long Yoga Festival at Kalinga Stadium as part of its preparations for International Yoga Day 2026, with the state government aiming to promote health, wellness, and mass participation across the region.
The initiative, jointly organised by the Sports & Youth Services Department and the Odisha Yoga Mahotsav Samiti, was inaugurated at the Indoor Athletics Centre, Kalinga Stadium, by Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia.
The yoga camps, which will run from June 15 to June 20, are expected to see participation from citizens, officials, and yoga enthusiasts from across Bhubaneswar and other parts of the state. The festival will conclude with a large-scale event at Kalinga Stadium on June 21, marking the 12th International Yoga Day.
The programme is being held under the guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with ground-level coordination by Odisha Yoga Mahotsav Samiti members, including Alok Das, Debakanta Behera, and Premananda Nath.
Speaking at the launch, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said that yoga should be adopted as a daily practice for both physical and mental well-being. He added that consistent practice of yoga strengthens individual health, which in turn contributes to a healthier society.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Yoga Mahotsav” and the broader global message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), which has helped transform International Yoga Day into a worldwide movement.
The government has also emphasised the use of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile applications, to make yoga more accessible to citizens, especially youth. The initiative aims to encourage digital engagement while promoting yoga as a lifestyle practice rather than a one-day observance.
The Union Ministry of Ayush, in coordination with the state government, is focusing on expanding participation in rural and border areas this year. It is also aiming for significantly higher turnout compared to previous editions, with plans to connect large numbers of participants simultaneously through digital platforms, potentially setting a new Guinness World Record.
Senior officials, including Special Secretary Ashok Kumar Panda, Additional Secretaries Bijay Kumar Swain and Sudhakar Nayak, along with other department representatives, were present at the inaugural event.
