Gujarat Emerges as India’s Yoga Capital

GANDHINAGAR : As the world prepares to celebrate International Yoga Day 2026, Gujarat has quietly achieved a milestone that reflects a growing shift towards preventive healthcare and holistic well-being. From bustling cities to remote villages, yoga mats have become as common as morning walks, helping Gujarat emerge as the state with the highest number of yoga teachers and yoga classes in the country.

According to Gujarat State Yoga Board Chairman Seeshpal Rajput, the state today conducts more than 4,985 free yoga classes every day, attracting an estimated 4 to 5 lakh citizens who practise yoga regularly. The achievement, he said, is the result of sustained efforts to transform yoga from an occasional activity into a daily habit embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds.

“Under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Gujarat has built a strong ecosystem that has made yoga accessible to every section of society,” Rajput said.

Over the last six years, the Gujarat State Yoga Board has trained more than 1.5 lakh certified yoga instructors, creating one of the largest networks of yoga educators in the country. To ensure quality training and outreach, 750 yoga coaches have also been permanently appointed across the state.

The impact of these efforts is evident in the growing public participation. During 2026 alone, more than 8.04 lakh people took part in 763 yoga camps organised across Gujarat. Since 2020, over 12.17 lakh citizens have participated in Yoga Samvad programmes designed to spread awareness about the physical and mental health benefits of yoga.

The movement has also gained strong traction among children and youth. More than 76,000 students have attended free summer yoga camps over the past four years, while special wellness initiatives under the Medasvita Mukt Gujarat Abhiyan have encouraged over 25,000 people to adopt healthier lifestyles and combat obesity.

“Yoga is no longer confined to parks or special occasions. It has become a way of life for students, professionals, entrepreneurs, women and senior citizens alike,” Rajput said.

Officials attribute Gujarat’s success to the vision of “Har Ghar Yoga” and “Niramay Gujarat,” which aims to integrate wellness into everyday life. With yoga now reaching every district, taluka and village, Gujarat is setting a benchmark for how traditional practices can contribute to healthier communities and a stronger public health culture.