Consulate General of India
Chicago
Press Release

12th International Day of Yoga 2026

The Consulate General of India in Chicago commemorated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with a large-scale public gathering at the National India Hub in Schaumburg, Illinois, on the morning of Sunday, June 21. The event attracted nearly 400 yoga practitioners and enthusiasts from across the region.

Consul General Somnath Ghosh opened the celebration with welcoming remarks, emphasizing the worldwide relevance of Yoga and this year’s IDY theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” He noted that Yoga, one of India’s most treasured ancient traditions, continues to unite people across countries, cultures, and faiths. Highlighting that Yoga extends beyond physical exercise, he described it as a holistic and sustainable way of life that nurtures personal well-being while fostering harmony with the environment.

Following the remarks, a demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol was led by distinguished Yoga instructors Ms. Anu Malhotra, Ms. Mara Zimmerman, Ms. Pam Brockman, Ms. Vidya Nahar and Ms. Saba Haider.

The venue came alive with vibrant energy as participants practiced yoga. The event was supported by the State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Asian American Store Owner Association, Indian Diaspora Connect and brought together numerous community organizations including Art of Living – Chicago, National India Hub, Mindful Meditation, Sewa International USA, Isha Foundation, Brahma Kumaris, Heartfulness, Sahaja Yoga, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh – Chicago Downtown, Science & Spirituality, FIA, Indian Community Niles Township, United Senior Pariwar, Hanuman Mandir - Glenview, IL, FIA Chicago, Yoga Chicago, Culture City, Indian American Cultural Association, TV Asia, I-USA Media, Adbhut Media, Indo-US Tribune, A3N News and PTC News, and others.

Beyond Chicago, the Consulate supported 12th IDY 2026 celebrations across its jurisdiction, including events organized by Mindful Meditation, IL; National India Hub, IL, Icon Shakti (Vyayam), IL, Indian Community of Niles Township, United Senior Parivar, FIA & FIA Chicago, Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Main Quad at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL;  St. Louis Indian Cultural Association, St. Louis, MO; Sanskriti Pewaukee, WI; Michigan Community in Troy, Lansing, Canton, Farmington Hills, Pontaic, Novi, Indo American Association of Iowa, Johnston, IA, Hindu Society of Minnesota, Indiana Chapter of International Hindi Association, Indiana, etc. Altogether, thousands of enthusiasts celebrated IDY across the US Midwest.

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