'Namaz not okay, Yoga okay': Video of Mumbai BJP Minority Morcha holding a yoga session at Minara Masjid sparks debate

NewsBharati    20-Jun-2026 13:52:05 PM
Total Views |
A yoga session was held at Minara Masjid in Mumbai on Saturday, organized by the Mumbai BJP Minority Morcha, a day before the International Day of Yoga. The event was part of a nationwide series of programmes leading up to the annual observance on June 21.

Attendees gathered at the historic mosque to participate in the session hosted by the BJP Minority Morcha, the videos of which are making rounds on social media.
 
Yoga 
 
Following this, the Congress played politics over the event, saying that Muslims offering Namaz on streets is not allowed but performing Yoga is okay. "BJP held a yoga session outside Mumbai's Minara Masjid. That's great! A Muslim can do yoga on the street. But if he prays namaz, the bulldozer will roll in," Congress' Supriya Shrinate said. 
 
 
 
Several other social media users also commented on the event, saying, "So, sarkaari RSS Muslims blocking roads and doing Yoga is not causing any inconvenience. But common muslims offering Namaz on roads is a problem. Peak Hypocrisy."
 
 
 
"BJP bulle bhi road block kar rahe hai as if blocking road is in their DNA," another user said. 
 
 
"The road is blocked. Allowed for the fitness of Muslims, but namaz cannot be allowed on the road, as it causes spiritual illness to a section of society. But we know what is happening," a Delhi University professor said. 
 
 
 
 
 
The activity coincided with similar yoga-related initiatives being rolled out across the country. Earlier that day, Hyderabad witnessed a large-scale "24-Hour Countdown Event" at Parade Grounds, led by Union Minister G Kishan Reddy.
 
 
 

The Hyderabad gathering brought together yoga organizations, students, elected representatives, actors, and international delegates. Addressing the crowd, Reddy emphasized that the event reflected India's ongoing commitment to promoting yoga on the global stage, an effort that began when June 21 was designated as International Yoga Day. Several notable attendees spoke about the transformative benefits of yoga and urged people to incorporate it into their daily routines.
 
ALSO READ: Vishwaguru Bharat 2: Tracing the roots of Yoga & tracking its remarkable journey 

International Yoga Day is observed every year on June 21, following a United Nations General Assembly resolution passed in December 2014, based on a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This year marks the 12th edition of the observance. The theme for 2026 is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", spotlighting yoga's contribution to helping individuals stay active, independent, and socially engaged throughout all stages of life.
Yoga Day International Yoga Day Mental Health Yoga