Punjab – Akal Takht Advises Gurdwaras Against Hosting Yoga Sessions on Premises

Punjab – The Akal Takht has urged gurdwara management committees to avoid organising yoga programmes inside gurdwara premises, stating that such activities do not align with Sikh religious traditions.

The acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has appealed to gurdwara management committees across Punjab not to conduct or permit yoga sessions within gurdwara complexes. His remarks come amid an ongoing discussion surrounding the Punjab government’s “CM Di Yogshalas” initiative, under which yoga classes have been organised at various locations, including some religious premises.

Religious Principles Highlighted During Address

Speaking during the daily discourse on the hukamnama at the Manji Sahib Diwan Hall inside the Golden Temple complex on Monday, Gargaj said concerns had recently been raised by several Sikh youths over yoga sessions taking place in certain gurdwaras. According to him, while the traditional meaning of yoga relates to spiritual union with the Divine, the form commonly practised today largely consists of physical exercises and breathing techniques.

He clarified that there is no objection to individuals practising exercise or yoga in their personal spaces. However, he maintained that organising such activities inside gurdwaras does not conform to Sikh religious principles. He emphasised that places where Guru Granth Sahib is enthroned should remain dedicated to Gurbani, prayer, and established Sikh religious practices.

Focus Should Remain on Gurbani

Gargaj stated that gurdwaras were established by the Sikh Gurus to provide devotees with an environment centred on Gurbani and Shabad. He expressed concern that introducing yoga programmes within these spaces could divert attention from the spiritual purpose of the gurdwara.

He further said that Gurbani holds the highest place in Sikh life and that religious institutions should continue to focus on strengthening that connection rather than introducing activities unrelated to Sikh teachings. According to him, physical fitness can be pursued elsewhere without involving religious premises.

Reference to Sikh Martial Traditions

During his address, the acting Jathedar also referred to the Sikh doctrine of Miri Piri, which represents the balance between temporal and spiritual responsibilities. He noted that Sikh tradition also places importance on shastar vidya, the martial discipline historically taught within the faith.

Gargaj suggested that replacing or sidelining these traditions in favour of yoga activities inside gurdwaras would be inconsistent with the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. He appealed to both the Sikh community and gurdwara management bodies to ensure that religious institutions continue to preserve their established traditions and religious code of conduct.

Earlier Dispute in Faridkot

The issue gained attention last month after several Sikh organisations objected to yoga classes being conducted inside gurdwaras in Faridkot under the state government’s “CM Di Yogshalas” programme. Representatives of these groups visited multiple gurdwaras where the sessions were taking place and requested that they be discontinued, arguing that the practice was incompatible with Sikh maryada.

The organisations also suggested that instead of yoga, gurdwaras should encourage Gatka, the traditional Sikh martial art, to help younger generations remain connected with their cultural and religious heritage.

Concerns Raised by Sikh Organisations

Members of the protesting groups also expressed concern that some participants attended the yoga sessions without covering their heads, which they said violated established religious protocol inside gurdwaras. Sikh leader Sharanjit Singh Saran had earlier claimed that such practices resulted in repeated breaches of maryada and called upon the Akal Takht to issue clear guidance on the matter.

He further argued that religious institutions should prioritise programmes rooted in Sikh traditions rather than activities introduced through government initiatives. The organisations also maintained that yoga classes should instead be conducted at community centres or other public venues outside religious premises.