Akal Takht Issues Statement Against Yoga Sessions in Gurudwaras

A significant statement has been released by Akal Takht regarding the practice of yoga in Gurudwaras. Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, emphasized that yoga has no place within Sikhism. He advised all Gurudwara managers to refrain from allowing yoga sessions in the Gurudwara premises, including the langar and diwan halls. Speaking at the morning assembly in the Manji Sahib diwan hall, Jathedar Gargaj addressed concerns raised by some Sikh youth about yoga sessions being conducted in certain Gurudwaras, where individuals were practicing various postures and breathing exercises. This statement has sparked discussions, raising questions about the objections to yoga. To clarify the Sikh perspective, the Jathedar shared several important points. He noted that while yoga literally means connecting with God, the contemporary practice often resembles mere physical exercise. He stated that exercising at home is acceptable, but conducting yoga sessions within Gurudwaras contradicts Sikh principles. The Jathedar stressed that Gurus established Gurudwaras to connect devotees with the Guru and the Shabad, asserting that nothing is more important than the Guru for a Sikh. He expressed concern that instead of immersing themselves in the teachings of the Guru, innocent individuals are being drawn towards yoga practices within Gurudwaras.

Referring to the Sikh concept of Miri-Piri, Gargaj explained that the Guru imparted the responsibility of both worldly affairs and spirituality to Sikhs, symbolized by the two swords. He further stated that Sikhs are also taught martial arts, and practicing yoga in Gurudwaras, while neglecting these teachings, goes against the Guru's instructions. He appealed to the Sikh community and Gurudwara management committees to prevent yoga programs from taking place within Gurudwara premises. Last month, a controversy arose in Faridkot when some Sikh organizations objected to yoga classes being held in local Gurudwaras.

Representatives from these Sikh groups intervened and halted sessions being conducted under the 'CM Ki Yogshala' initiative, arguing that it violated Sikh religious codes. They insisted that instead of yoga, Gurudwaras should promote traditional training in Gatka (Sikh martial arts) to connect youth with their heritage. These Sikh activists visited four Gurudwaras where classes were being held and raised strong objections, arguing that conducting yoga classes in the sacred premises of Gurudwaras violates its sanctity and religious rules, especially since many participants (both men and women) attended these sessions without covering their heads, which is strictly prohibited inside Gurudwaras. At that time, Sikh leader Sharanjeet Singh Saran noted that he had observed yoga classes being held in Gurudwara premises, leading to a breach of decorum.

He pointed out that attendees often arrived without head coverings, which contradicts Sikh principles. Additionally, he alleged that most trainers were not from Punjab. Following this, Saran requested the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib to issue a formal order (hukmanaama) to prohibit yoga classes in all Gurudwaras. He advocated for teaching children Gatka in the Guru's house to help them connect with their faith and preserve Sikh traditions. These activists also claimed that the government-sponsored yoga classes represent a form of covert political interference aimed at undermining the sanctity of Sikh religious sites. They warned yoga instructors against conducting sessions within Gurudwara premises and urged them to seek alternative locations outside religious sites.