Celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 by EoI, Tirana

The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 was organized on 21 June 2026 by the Embassy of India, Tirana, with the support of the Municipality of Tirana, the Agency of Parks and Recreation Tirana, and renowned yoga institutes in Tirana at the Fushat Multisportive, Grand Lake Park, Tirana. Participants included representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations in Albania, senior officials from local government and municipal bodies, members of the Indian diaspora, yoga practitioners, and enthusiasts from the general public.

2. The event commenced with opening remarks by Ms. Polikseni Gorishti, a distinguished yoga teacher with over 25 years of experience. She expressed gratitude to the Embassy of India in Tirana for its continued efforts in promoting Yoga and organizing the International Day of Yoga in Albania. Recalling the 2014 initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations, which led to the adoption of the International Day of Yoga with the support of 177 countries, she highlighted Yoga’s contribution to holistic well-being and inclusive healthcare. She described the occasion as an opportunity to bring people together in harmony, elevate the spirit, and celebrate the universal values embodied by Yoga.

3. In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Ravindra Prasad Jaiswal highlighted the theme of the 12th International Day of Yoga, “Yoga for Healthy Aging”, emphasizing Yoga’s role in promoting physical health, mental well-being, emotional balance, and overall quality of life. He noted that regular practice helps maintain flexibility, strength, and resilience at every stage of life. The Ambassador also underscored that Yoga reflects the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (“The World is One Family”), transcending national, cultural, religious, and age boundaries and fostering unity, peace, and collective well-being.

4. The Yoga Practice Session was led by well-known yoga experts from Tirana. About 100 participants practised the Common Yoga Protocol demonstrated by experts from Yogahouse.al, Yoga Nataraja, Dance & Yoga Studio “Ilda & Endri”, and Alban Mucaj.

5. At the conclusion of the event, participants were served Indian snacks and refreshments. Photographs and video footage of the event are enclosed.