Opposition to Yoga Sessions at Faridkot Gurdwara: Sikh Youths Halt Class, Seek Akal Takht Intervention

June 14, 2026

A new controversy has erupted in Punjab over the yoga classes being held in gurdwaras. Sikh leader Gursevak Singh Bhana from Faridkot, along with his associates, reached Sri Akal Takht to raise objections to the ‘Yogshala’ project being run in gurdwaras. He submitted a memorandum to the Akal Takht secretariat demanding that the yoga classes being held in the guru houses be stopped immediately.

Bhana says that conducting yoga classes in gurdwaras and langar halls is not in line with Sikh dignity and religious traditions. He has appealed to Akal Takht Sahib to intervene in this matter and issue clear orders.

Now, the whole matter step by step…

Objection raised on Punjab government’s Yogshala project
Gursevak Singh Bhana said that under the Punjab government’s ‘Yogshala’ project, yoga classes are being conducted at several places in the premises of Gurudwara Sahib and Langar halls. This has caused some discontent among a section of the Sikh community.

Citing the sanctity of gurdwaras
Bhana says that gurdwaras are religious and spiritual centers. Activities like this are not in line with Sikh traditions and the sanctity of the Guru’s house. He called it a sensitive topic connected to religious traditions.

Demand to arrange a different place for yoga
He said that yoga is a physical and mental practice that can be done in parks, community centers, or other public places. Gurdwaras and langar halls should not be used for this.

First, bowed at Harmandir Sahib
Gursevak Singh Bhana and his companions first bowed at Shri Harmandir Sahib. After this, they reached the secretariat of Shri Akal Takht Sahib and submitted a petition to the officials there.

Demand to issue an edict from Akal Takht
Bhana demanded that the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib issue a clear order or edict on this matter so that yoga classes running in gurdwaras could be stopped.

Discussion begins in the Sikh community
After the matter came to light, discussions on this topic have intensified in the Sikh community. Now everyone’s eyes are on Shri Akal Takht Sahib to see what decision is made on this demand.

A new controversy has emerged in Punjab over the ‘Yogshala’ yoga classes being held in gurdwaras. On this issue, Faridkot’s Sikh youth leader Gursevak Singh Bhana, along with his associates, went to Sri Akal Takht Sahib today and submitted a memorandum at the secretariat. They raised objections to the yoga classes being held in the gurudwaras and demanded that they be stopped immediately.

According to received information, under the ‘Yogshala’ project run by the Punjab government, yoga classes are being conducted at several gurdwara premises and langar halls. Objecting to this, Gursevak Singh Bhana said that this activity is not in line with Sikh dignity and the sanctity of gurdwaras.