Launch of the 2026 International Day of Yoga – Chatsworth, Durban.

PRESS RELEASE 

Launch of the 2026 International Day of Yoga – Chatsworth, Durban Human Rights Day 

• Saturday, 21 March 2026 

• 1:00 PM

The 2026 programme for the 12th edition of the United Nations‑declared International Day of Yoga (IDY) will be launched this weekend in the landmark township of Chatsworth, on Durban’s south‑eastern flank — home to one of the largest concentrations of people of Indian origin outside India. It was India, the world’s largest democracy, that proposed the global observance of Yoga at the UN General Assembly.

The official International Day of Yoga will take place at the Durban Amphitheatre on Sunday, 21st June, ahead of the global celebration on 21 June each year. The Office of the Premier in KZN, under the leadership of Premier Thamsanqa Arthur Ntuli has reaffirmed the provincial Governments commitment and support towards the Sivananda world peace foundation . 

The 12th International Day of Yoga is KwaZulu Natal’s official Yoga programme and we encourage all citizens to be part of the  celebration of Yoga — India’s ancient discipline of physical, mental, and cultural well‑being said Premier Thami Ntuli. 

Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, founding president of the coordinating hosts, the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, said that following the success of the 2025 International Day of Yoga, Chatsworth — the historic 62‑year‑old township of more than 200 000 residents — was the natural choice to host the Yoga Mahotsav 2026 launch. 

The launch event will take place at 1pm on Saturday, 21 March, at the Woodhurst Sports Ground, in the heart of Chatsworth — significantly on Human Rights Day, a public holiday enshrined 30 years ago in South Africa’s democratic era. “Chatsworth, the nation’s most historic township of Indians — now home to a rich mix of communities — is the ideal venue to launch the 2026 International Day of Yoga. Yoga, in its essence, promotes healthy living and holistic well‑being, values deeply rooted in our community. We anticipate a large and diverse turnout, as Chatsworth is renowned for its vibrant sporting and cultural spirit,” said Prince Ramlutchman. Residents, families, youth groups, senior citizens, and Yoga enthusiasts from all walks of life are warmly invited to participate.

For enquiries and participation:  060 345 5593 : 083 357 8747 : 082 641 1418  sivanandaworldpeacefoundation@gmail.com

Issued by: Sivananda World Peace Foundation  KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa