PM Modi and Slovakia President Peter Pellegrini on Monday watched a special yoga session at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava, days before the International Day of Yoga on June 21.

The event underscored the growing global appeal of yoga and came as countries around the world intensified preparations for the annual celebration.

The United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in December 2014 after PM Modi proposed the idea during his address to the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in September that year.

Global Yoga Movement Continues To Expand

Since the first International Day of Yoga in 2015, India has spearheaded celebrations worldwide under the Ministry of AYUSH, with support from state governments, Indian missions abroad and United Nations agencies.

PM @narendramodi, along with President Peter Pellegrini @PellegriniP_ observed a special yoga demonstration performed by Slovak school children. Both leaders noted the expanding cultural engagement between India and Slovakia as well as the universal appeal of Yoga as a means of… pic.twitter.com/cWES78SAOD

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 15, 2026

Over the years, the initiative has evolved into a global movement promoting holistic health and preventive healthcare.

Ahead of this year’s celebrations, Indian missions across the world organised programmes involving members of the Indian diaspora and local communities to spread awareness about yoga and its benefits.

The Embassy of India in Switzerland said that celebrations in Basel formed part of the 12th International Day of Yoga events and highlighted the growing acceptance of yoga worldwide.

According to the embassy, the Ministry of AYUSH set a new Guinness World Record for the highest number of viewers for a YouTube Live yoga stream.

The event in Switzerland brought together members of the Indian community and local residents in a shared experience centred on wellbeing and mindfulness.

Events Held Across Continents

In the United States, the Consulate General of India in Houston, in partnership with the Indian Doctors Association of Houston, organised a discussion on “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” as part of the International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations.

Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in Seychelles collaborated with the Office of the First Lady to hold a special all-women yoga session ahead of June 21.

In Syria, the Embassy of India said more than 200 participants of different age groups joined a yoga event in the coastal city of Latakia.

June 21 Celebration Nears

As preparations gather momentum, yoga events are being organised across countries to deepen awareness of the practice and strengthen people-to-people connections through health and wellness.

The International Day of Yoga, now observed in countries across the world, has become one of India’s most visible global cultural initiatives, with millions participating annually.

The interaction between PM Modi and President Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava added another chapter to the international outreach associated with the annual celebration, which is set to be marked globally on June 21.

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