Gujarat runs 4,985 free yoga classes ahead of International Yoga Day 2026
Synopsis
Gujarat is not just celebrating International Yoga Day — it is making a structural claim. With 4,985 free classes, 1.5 lakh certified trainers, and 4-5 lakh daily practitioners, the state is positioning itself as India's yoga capital, backed by a six-year institutional build-up that extends from urban centres to villages and now into police academies.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat operates more than 4,985 free yoga classes across districts, with an estimated 4-5 lakh citizens practising daily.
The state has trained more than 1.5 lakh certified yoga trainers over six years , supported by 750 appointed yoga coaches .
In 2026 alone , 763 yoga camps have seen participation from over 8.04 lakh citizens .
Since 2020 , more than 12.17 lakh people have taken part in 'Yoga Samvad' programmes.
Around 25,000 citizens have joined special camps under the 'Obesity-Free Gujarat Campaign'.
A special yoga camp was held at the Gujarat Police Academy, Karai, Gandhinagar under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' .
Gujarat has significantly scaled up its yoga infrastructure ahead of International Yoga Day 2026 on 21 June, with the state operating more than 4,985 free yoga classes across districts and an estimated four to five lakh citizens practising yoga daily, according to the Gujarat State Yog Board.
Scale of Gujarat's Yoga Network
The Chairman of the Gujarat State Yog Board, Sheeshpal Rajput, said the state currently claims the highest number of yoga teachers and organised yoga classes in the country. 'Gujarat has become the state with the highest number of yoga teachers and yoga classes in the country,' Rajput said, attributing the expansion to the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in making yoga a global mass movement.
Since the Board's establishment, yoga has moved beyond traditional practitioners to become part of daily life for children, youth, working professionals, entrepreneurs, government employees, and senior citizens alike.
Training Infrastructure and Certified Coaches
Over the past six years, the Board has prepared more than 1.5 lakh certified yoga trainers, supported by the appointment of 750 yoga coaches deployed across the state to ensure structured and uniform guidance.
In 2026 alone, 763 yoga camps have recorded participation from more than 8.04 lakh citizens. Since 2020, over 12.17 lakh people have taken part in 'Yoga Samvad' programmes. Additionally, more than 76,000 students have attended free summer yoga camps over the past four years, while around 25,000 citizens have joined special camps under the 'Obesity-Free Gujarat Campaign'.
Community Outreach: Har Ghar Yoga and Niramay Gujarat
Rajput highlighted that initiatives such as 'Har Ghar Yoga' and 'Niramay Gujarat' have extended yoga outreach to villages, talukas, and urban centres across the state. The approach reflects a deliberate effort to embed yoga into public health infrastructure rather than limit it to organised events.
This comes amid a broader national push around the 12th International Yoga Day, with Gujarat positioning itself as a model state for yoga adoption at scale.
Special Camp at Gujarat Police Academy
Marking the occasion, a dedicated yoga camp was organised at the Gujarat Police Academy in Karai, Gandhinagar, for police personnel. The programme was held under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', featuring sessions on yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation.
Dr Leena Patil, Principal of the Gujarat Police Academy, said regular yoga practice strengthens physical endurance and improves mental alertness and emotional balance among personnel. Deputy Superintendent of Police N. P. Patel was also present at the event.
The Gujarat State Yog Board said similar awareness and training programmes are being conducted across institutions and districts as part of the International Yoga Day 2026 observance, with the focus on expanding participation and improving public health outcomes statewide.
Point of View
But the state's own framing — 'highest in the country' — is a claim that merits independent verification. The Gujarat State Yog Board is both the implementing agency and the source of these statistics, which raises questions about methodology. That said, the institutional architecture being described — 750 coaches, 1.5 lakh certified trainers, village-level outreach — is more substantive than a single-day event. The real test is whether daily participation translates into measurable public health outcomes, something neither the Board's press release nor mainstream coverage has yet examined.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many free yoga classes does Gujarat currently operate?
Gujarat operates more than 4,985 free yoga classes across its districts, according to the Gujarat State Yog Board. An estimated four to five lakh citizens are said to practise yoga daily through these classes.
What is International Yoga Day 2026 and when is it observed?
International Yoga Day is observed annually on 21 June. The 2026 edition marks the 12th International Yoga Day, with events being organised across India and globally to promote yoga as a wellness practice.
How many certified yoga trainers has Gujarat produced?
The Gujarat State Yog Board has prepared more than 1.5 lakh certified yoga trainers over the past six years. An additional 750 yoga coaches have been appointed to ensure structured training across the state.
What are the 'Har Ghar Yoga' and 'Niramay Gujarat' initiatives?
'Har Ghar Yoga' and 'Niramay Gujarat' are Gujarat government outreach programmes aimed at extending yoga access to villages, talukas, and urban centres. They form part of the state's broader effort to integrate yoga into everyday public life across age groups and professions.
Why was a yoga camp held at the Gujarat Police Academy?
A yoga camp was organised at the Gujarat Police Academy in Karai, Gandhinagar, to support physical fitness, mental resilience, and stress management among police personnel. The programme was conducted under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' and included sessions on asanas, pranayama, and meditation.
