From ashrams to drawing rooms, Yoga travels far and wide in tech-age
Lucknow: Once confined to ashrams and spiritual retreats, yoga has now expanded into a financially rewarding career, attracting professionals and wellness seekers alike. In Lucknow, several yoga instructors are riding this wave of global interest, earning anywhere between a few thousand to several lakhs through online and offline sessions.
Bobby Khan, a yoga instructor and therapist, conducts online sessions for clients in Dubai, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Russia. His charges range from Rs 16,000 to Rs 20,000 for individual clients, Rs. 15,000 to Rs 18,000 for group classes, and Rs 10,000 for couple sessions. Offline private sessions cost between Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 10,000. In addition, Khan holds a government position as a yoga instructor at the Ministry of AYUSH, which brings him a monthly salary of Rs 8,000.
"Yoga has become a global bridge for physical and mental healing, it's no longer limited to spiritual seekers or fitness enthusiasts. People from all walks of life CEOs, homemakers, students, even senior citizens are turning to yoga for stress relief, rehabilitation, and holistic well-being. The demand from international clients shows how Indian yoga has become a trusted solution for health challenges across the world," said Khan.
Freelance instructor Sujit Kumar Yadav offers group sessions for Rs 7,000 to Rs10,000 and specialized home sessions for Rs 9,000 to Rs 10,000, especially for clients with physical ailments. His centre-based sessions are more affordable, priced at Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,500 per session.
"Yoga is not just an ancient art, it's a modern necessity, in a fast-paced world, people are dealing with anxiety, chronic pain, lifestyle disorders, and burnout. Yoga offers a natural remedy, not just for the body, but for the mind and emotions as well. It empowers individuals to take charge of their health. I've seen firsthand how a few sessions can transform someone's energy, posture, and outlook on life. That's why people are willing to invest in it, both financially and emotionally," said Sujit Kumar Yadav
Another instructor, Uday Pratap Singh, focuses on personalized sessions either at clients' homes or yoga centres.
He charges Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 per session and often caters to NRIs and foreign tourists visiting Lucknow.
"Many NRIs and tourists contact me during their visits to Lucknow, they come looking for authentic, traditional yoga experiences that they can't always find abroad. What surprises them is how deeply rooted yoga still is in our local culture, beyond just the asanas," said Singh.
Sharda Tripathi, a yoga instructor associated with the Ministry of AYUSH, operates through a hybrid model.
She charges Rs 350 per online session for clients in Bangalore and Delhi and ₹700 for local sessions in Lucknow, along with drawing Rs 5,000 in government salary.
"Digital platforms have made yoga accessible across cities, earlier, people had to rely on local instructors or travel to yoga centres, which wasn't always feasible, especially for working professionals or those with mobility issues. Now, with just a phone or laptop, anyone can join a session from the comfort of their home."
Highlighting the professional scope of yoga, Amarjit Yadav, faculty coordinator at the department of Yoga, Lucknow University, said, "Career options include AYUSH Ministry projects, UP govt wellness camps, private and govt educational institutions, and even Ayurvedic and homeopathic labs."
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