Last updated on October 26, 2025
No, it is not allowed. Open-air yoga sessions in New Delhi public parks require prior approval and partnership with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), as per official municipal resolutions governing park usage.
Stretching Rules Before Stretching Muscles
In the heart of India’s capital, where the morning air hums with the rhythm of city life, public parks offer a rare oasis of calm. It’s no surprise that yoga enthusiasts gravitate toward these green spaces to salute the sun. But before you roll out your mat in Lodhi Garden or Nehru Park, there’s a rule you need to know: you must have permission.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), which manages many of the city’s most iconic parks, has clear guidelines for group activities. According to council resolutions and public notices, open-air yoga sessions—especially those organized as camps or group events—require prior approval and formal partnership with NDMC.
The Policy Behind the Practice
This regulation isn’t arbitrary. It’s part of a broader framework designed to preserve public spaces, manage crowd control, and ensure safety. The NDMC’s resolution dated 28 August 2015 outlines permitted activities in major parks, including cultural shows, film shoots, and yes—open-air yoga camps. But all of these require booking and approval.
The resolution lists specific parks such as Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park, Talkatora Garden, and Central Park at Connaught Place, where yoga camps may be held only after NDMC’s formal nod. The council also sets booking charges and security deposits, reinforcing that these are regulated events—not spontaneous gatherings.
Why Permission Matters
The requirement for permission serves multiple purposes. First, it helps NDMC manage the wear and tear on park infrastructure. Large gatherings, even peaceful ones like yoga sessions, can damage lawns, disrupt wildlife, and strain maintenance budgets.
Second, it ensures public safety. Some parks, like Central Park above Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, sit atop sensitive infrastructure. The Delhi Police has flagged large gatherings here as potentially hazardous to metro operations. By controlling event size and frequency, NDMC minimizes risk.
Third, it maintains fairness. Parks are shared spaces, and NDMC’s booking system ensures that no group monopolizes them. It also allows the council to coordinate with other departments, such as sanitation and security, to support approved events.
Solo Stretchers vs. Organized Groups
What if you’re just one person doing yoga quietly in a corner? That’s generally fine. The rules target organized sessions—those involving multiple participants, instructors, banners, or amplification. If your practice is personal and unobtrusive, you’re unlikely to face issues.
But if you’re planning a group event, even a free community class, you’ll need to go through NDMC’s booking process. This includes submitting an application, paying applicable fees, and adhering to guidelines on timing, noise, and cleanliness.
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Sources
Council Resolution No. 05(P-01) dated 28-08-2015 – NDMC
https://ndmc.gov.in/council/Resolutions%202007/PR/ITEM%20NO%2005%20%28P-01%29%20dated%2028-08-2015.pdf
2015.08.28
Major Parks Booking Guidelines – NDMC Public Relations Department
https://www.ndmc.gov.in/hi/departments/Departments/PublicRelation/MajorParks.pdf
Ongoing