Ministry of Ayush Sets New Guinness World Record with Over 4.35 Lakh Viewers for Live YouTube Yoga Session
Global Online Yoga Event Ahead of International Day of Yoga 2026 Surpasses Previous Record by Nearly 1.9 Lakh Viewers
New Delhi, June 14:
In a remarkable achievement ahead of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, the Ministry of Ayush has entered the Guinness World Records by registering the largest viewership for a YouTube Live Yoga stream, with 4,35,831 verified participants joining a special online Yoga session broadcast through the Ministry’s official YouTube channel.
The historic event formed part of the Ministry’s nationwide and global outreach campaign for International Day of Yoga 2026 and attracted Yoga practitioners, students, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, wellness enthusiasts, and members of the Indian diaspora from across the world.
New Record Surpasses Previous Global Benchmark
According to the Ministry of Ayush, the live Yoga session recorded 4,35,831 verified viewers, comfortably surpassing the previous Guinness World Record of 2,46,252 viewers, which was set in 2024.
The latest achievement exceeded the earlier benchmark by an impressive 1,89,579 viewers, establishing a new global record for the largest audience participating in a YouTube Live Yoga stream.
Common Yoga Protocol Demonstrated Globally
The online session featured the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), the standardized sequence of Yoga practices promoted by the Government of India for International Day of Yoga celebrations worldwide.
The programme also reinforced the Ministry’s “Yoga 365” initiative, which encourages citizens to adopt Yoga as a daily practice rather than limiting it to an annual celebration.
Participants from India and numerous countries collectively performed the Common Yoga Protocol under expert guidance provided by the Habuild team, while the event was organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) and other partner organizations.
Union Minister Highlights Yoga’s Global Appeal
Congratulating participants on the historic achievement, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, said the record demonstrates Yoga’s extraordinary ability to unite people across geographical and cultural boundaries.
He stated that the achievement reflects the growing global acceptance of Yoga as a way of life and strengthens the collective commitment towards health and well-being.
The Minister urged citizens to embrace the spirit of “Yoga 365” by incorporating Yoga into their everyday lives and contributing to the creation of a healthier and more resilient society.
“Yoga is More Than a World Record”
Speaking on the occasion, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, emphasized that the achievement goes beyond setting a Guinness World Record.
He noted that the overwhelming participation sends a strong message to the international community regarding the increasing recognition of Yoga as a powerful tool for preventive healthcare and holistic well-being.
“Our objective is to encourage people to embrace Yoga not as a one-day event, but as a lifelong practice and make ‘Yoga 365’ a reality,” he said.
National Leaders Extend Congratulations
During the programme, special video messages were delivered by several senior leaders, including:
- Mukesh Mahaling, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Odisha
- Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs
- Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
The leaders congratulated participants for the historic accomplishment and highlighted Yoga’s importance in preventive healthcare, physical fitness, mental wellness, and holistic development.
They also encouraged citizens to integrate Yoga into their daily routines in line with the “Yoga 365” movement.
Kolkata to Host International Day of Yoga 2026 Celebrations
The achievement comes as India prepares to celebrate the International Day of Yoga 2026 under the theme:
“Yoga for Healthy Ageing”
(स्वस्थ आयु के लिए योग)
The theme emphasizes Yoga’s role in promoting healthy longevity, improving quality of life, and supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being across all age groups.
The main national celebration of International Day of Yoga 2026 is scheduled to be held in Kolkata, West Bengal, on June 21, bringing together Yoga practitioners, experts, institutions, and stakeholders from across the country and abroad.
Ministry Calls for “Har Ghar Yoga, Har Din Yoga”
The Ministry of Ayush expressed gratitude to Yoga institutions, educational organizations, government departments, corporate bodies, social groups, and the global Indian diaspora for their enthusiastic participation in making the Guinness World Record possible.
As the country moves towards International Day of Yoga 2026, the Ministry reiterated its appeal for citizens to adopt Yoga as a way of life and carry forward the message:
“Har Ghar Yoga, Har Din Yoga”
(Yoga in Every Home, Every Day).
(With inputs from PIB)
