A controversy erupted in Faridkot today after some Sikh organisations objected to yoga classes being conducted within the premises of a local gurdwara.Representatives of the Sikh groups intervened and halted the ongoing sessions under the Punjab Government’s “CM di Yogshalas” initiative today, citing a violation of the Sikh religious code of conduct.The leaders demanded that instead of yoga, gurdwaras should traditionalise the training of ‘Gatka’ (Sikh martial arts) to connect youth with their heritage.Sikh activists visited four gurdwaras where the classes were being held.Raising serious objections, they argued that holding yoga classes inside the gurdwara violated its sanctity and religious protocol, especially since several participants — both men and women — attend the sessions with uncovered heads, which is strictly prohibited inside a gurdwara.​ Speaking on the matter, Sikh leaders Gursewak Singh Bhana and Sharanjit Singh Saran said, “We have observed for a while that the CM’s yoga classes are being run inside gurdwara premises, leading to breaches of maryada. People are arriving with uncovered heads, which goes against Sikh tenets. Furthermore, most of the trainers are not even from Punjab.”​Saran called upon the Akal Takht Jathedar to issue a formal edict banning yoga classes inside all gurdwaras.​ Activists further alleged that introducing these state-sponsored yoga classes was a subtle political interference aimed at diluting the sanctity of Sikh religious spaces. They warned the yoga instructors not to conduct sessions inside the gurdwara complex and suggested they find alternative venues outside the religious premises.Gurinder Kaur Bholuwala, SGPC member in Faridkot, also opposed yoga classes in gurdwaras.​ On the other hand, the move met with mild resistance from some residents, including women who attend the classes. They expressed disappointment over the disruption, arguing that yoga is a health-oriented practice aimed at physical well-being and should not be given a religious or communal colour.