"Yoga for Healthy Aging" Inspires More Than 1,200 Participants Across Five Continents
The Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga (HSTY), an Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IYD) with a month-long global initiative that began at the end of May and concluded at the end of June 2026.
Following the Common Yoga Protocol of India’s Ministry of AYUSH, HSTY offered all sessions free of charge, reaffirming its commitment to selfless service, authentic yoga, and accessible well-being for all. This year’s global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” inspired people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the transformative power of traditional yoga.
Global Reach at a Glance
- 20 certified teachers and volunteers
- 30 yoga sessions
- 11 countries
- 1,200+ participants
- 5 continents
HSTY conducted sessions in a wide variety of settings—from kindergartens, schools, and universities to military academies, public parks, community centres, and monasteries—in both in-person and online formats.
The celebrations reached participants across:
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Serbia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- Croatia
- Slovenia
- Ecuador
- Australia
- South Africa
- USA (Texas and New York)
Children, adults, seniors, educators, military personnel, mothers, first-time practitioners, and Buddhist monks all came together to experience authentic traditional yoga in an inclusive and culturally sensitive environment.
One of the notable achievements of this year’s celebration was the largest number of children’s yoga sessions HSTY has organised for International Day of Yoga, with around 10 dedicated Kids Yoga sessions conducted across several countries, introducing young participants to the benefits of authentic traditional yoga from an early age.
A Special Highlight: Mohanji at International Day of Yoga in Belgrade
One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations was the International Day of Yoga event in Belgrade, Serbia, organised by the Embassy of India in Belgrade.
Around 200 participants attended the event, where Mohanji, Founder of the Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga, delivered an inspiring keynote address on the deeper purpose of yoga and its role in everyday life. His presence and wisdom enriched the celebration, followed by meditation sessions offered by the Mohanji Foundation.
Another significant milestone was the first-ever International Day of Yoga celebration organised by the Embassy of India in Novi Sad, where HSTY teachers participated by demonstrating traditional yoga asanas.
India: Bringing Yoga to the Younger Generation
In India, HSTY reached hundreds of young people through meaningful yoga programmes.
A particularly memorable event took place at the historic Archaeological Survey of India site in Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. More than 300 participants, including cadets, Archaeological Survey of India staff, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, officers, and civilians, gathered to experience the essence of traditional yoga.
These sessions reflected HSTY’s continued commitment to introducing authentic yoga early in life and supporting lifelong physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Sri Lanka: Reaching Students and Buddhist Monks
On 16 June 2026, Kotagala Cambridge College in Sri Lanka continued its ongoing Yoga and Meditation Programme with the second week of Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga and Freedom Meditation sessions.
Approximately 150 students from Grades 9, 10, and 11 experienced these practices for the first time. Following the meditation, many students remained in deep silence, naturally absorbed in the experience, reflecting a profound sense of inner peace and stability. The transformative impact of the session was clearly visible in their calm and joyful expressions.
Another historic milestone in Sri Lanka was the first-ever Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga session conducted for Buddhist monks, marking a meaningful step in fostering mutual respect, dialogue, and shared values between spiritual traditions through the universal practice of yoga.
Building Healthier Communities Through Yoga
This year’s celebrations demonstrated how authentic yoga transcends age, culture, nationality, and profession. Whether practiced in schools, military institutions, monasteries, community spaces, or public events, yoga continues to unite people through awareness, balance, and inner transformation.
Message from Mohanji, Founder of HSTY, during celebration of IYD in Belgrade, 22 June 2026
“There is a lot of depth in yoga. It is not superficial. As our beloved ambassador mentioned, yoga is also selfexploration and selfconnection.
If you look at Patanjalis Yoga Sutras, it is a manual for whole existence as a spiritual being.
Yoga is organic. Yoga is natural. When you become natural, you are a yogi.”
— Mohanji, Founder, Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga
His words beautifully encapsulate HSTY’s vision of yoga as a path to self-realisation, inner peace, and harmony with the world.
About the Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga
Founded by Mohanji, the Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga (HSTY) is dedicated to preserving and sharing the authentic tradition of yoga. Through disciplined practice, experienced teachers, and accessible programmes, HSTY empowers individuals to cultivate health, awareness, compassion, and lasting inner transformation.
To learn more, visit: https://himalayanschool.com/yoga