Kolkata celebrates International Day of Yoga amid heritage, culture and community spirit

The 12th International Day of Yoga was celebrated with great enthusiasm across Kolkata, with two of the city's most iconic cultural institutions—the Indian Museum and Victoria Memorial Hall—hosting large-scale observances that brought together people from diverse backgrounds.

At the Indian Museum, the celebration acquired a unique cultural dimension as International Day of Yoga was commemorated alongside World Music Day, creating a harmonious confluence of wellness, art, and heritage. Against the backdrop of these historic landmarks, participants gathered to embrace the spirit of yoga, reaffirming its enduring relevance as a pathway to physical well-being, mental balance, and collective harmony.This celebration marked a historic moment and signified a renewed cultural spirit of Bengal, where the timeless spirit of Yoga and the wisdom of India's ancient knowledge traditions were celebrated together, for and holistic well-being — Dr. Sayan Bhattacharya, Director, Indian Museum, Kolkata; Curator & Secretary,Victoria Memorial Hall

A Collective Celebration of Wellness at Kolkata’s Iconic Heritage InstitutionsThe participation of the Indian Museum and Victoria Memorial Hall in the International Day of Yoga celebrations underscored the growing convergence of India’s cultural heritage and wellness traditions.

By opening their historic spaces to a shared public observance, the institutions reinforced yoga’s role as a living legacy that continues to inspire harmony, mindfulness, and community engagement. The occasion served as a reminder of how cultural institutions can act as catalysts for fostering collective well-being while connecting contemporary society with the country’s enduring civilizational values.“It was particularly significant that two of India's foremost cultural institutions — the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in the Asia-Pacific region, and Victoria Memorial Hall, nation's most visited museums — joined the global celebration of Yoga. The enthusiastic participation of over 1,200 people at the Indian Museum and more than 1,000 participants at Victoria Memorial Hall, including members of civil society, NCC and NSS cadets, students, and CISF personnel, transformed this occasion into a powerful expression of collective well-being, harmony, and India's eternal civilizational wisdom,” says Dr.

Sayan Bhattacharya, Director, Indian Museum, Kolkata; Curator & Secretary, Victoria Memorial Hall. ‘Yoga is a way of life’: Participants share their experiencesAs participants made their way to yoga venues across the city, including Red Road and Victoria Memorial Hall, many spoke about the transformative role yoga plays in their daily lives. “Yoga is not just a one-day celebration for me; it is a practice that helps me stay physically active and mentally calm amid the pressures of modern life,” said Ruhi Dasgupta, a young teacher.

Senior citizens echoed similar sentiments, highlighting yoga’s importance for healthy ageing.

“Regular yoga has improved my flexibility, balance and overall well-being. It has helped me remain independent and energetic even in my seventies,” said Sharmistha Ghosh, a 67 year old, retired teacher. Others pointed to yoga’s holistic benefits, from stress management to improved concentration. “In an age dominated by screens and sedentary lifestyles, yoga offers a simple way to reconnect with ourselves and maintain harmony between body and mind,” remarked Garima Singh, a college student heading to Victoria Memorial Hall.