Yoga My Pride Photography Contest
by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India
Cash Prize up to Rs. 75,000
Government photography contest by Ministry of AYUSH and ICCR for yoga pose self-portraits with slogan. Win up to Rs. 75,000. Open to all ages across six categories.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Single submission event; entries accepted over approximately 25 days (submission window opens in late March and closes in late April annually)
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to all ages. Six categories: Female/Male x Youth (under 18), Adult (18 and above), Yoga Professional. Ministry of AYUSH employees and their relatives are excluded.
- Age range
- Open to all ages
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Rs. 75,000 (1st prize per category)
1st prize Rs. 75,000, 2nd prize Rs. 50,000, 3rd prize Rs. 25,000 per category
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 26 Mar 2026
- Registration closed
- 20 Apr 2026
How to apply
- 1Register on MyGov InnovateIndia portal at innovateindia.mygov.in
- 2Select the correct age and gender category
- 3Submit self-portrait yoga photo (JPEG/PNG/SVG, max 2MB)
- 4Add slogan of up to 15 words
Rules and guidelines
- Self-portrait only; photos taken by others not accepted
- One entry per participant per category
- JPEG/PNG/SVG format, max 2MB file size
- Minors require parental consent
About this opportunity
Yoga My Pride Photography Contest is a national photography competition organized jointly by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The contest invites participants to submit a self-portrait yoga pose photograph along with a short slogan of up to 15 words, celebrating International Yoga Day.
The contest is structured across six categories based on age and gender: Female Youth (under 18), Male Youth (under 18), Female Adult (18 and above), Male Adult (18 and above), Female Yoga Professional, and Male Yoga Professional. Participants register and submit entries through the MyGov InnovateIndia portal.
Entries are evaluated by a judging panel based on pose correctness, slogan relevance, photograph quality, creativity, and background composition. Ministry of AYUSH employees and their direct relatives are not eligible to participate.
Winners in each category receive cash prizes of Rs. 75,000 (1st prize), Rs. 50,000 (2nd prize), and Rs. 25,000 (3rd prize). The contest is free to enter and represents a government-backed opportunity for photographers of all ages to gain national recognition while celebrating India's yoga heritage.
Rounds and format
Two-stage evaluation. Stage 1 (Screening): A screening committee reviews all submissions for guideline compliance and shortlists entries by category. Stage 2 (Evaluation): A committee of prominent yoga experts scores shortlisted entries out of 50 marks across five criteria — correctness of yoga pose (10 marks), slogan appropriateness (10 marks), photo quality (10 marks), creativity and inspirational power (10 marks), and background composition (10 marks). The top 3 entries per category receive cash prizes.
How entries are judged
Pose correctness, slogan relevance, photo quality, creativity, background composition
Selection process
Entries evaluated out of 50 marks by a panel of prominent yoga experts: correctness of yoga pose (10), appropriateness of slogan (10), photo quality (10), creativity and inspirational power (10), background composition (10). Top 3 entries per category — Female Youth (under 18), Male Youth (under 18), Female Adult (18+), Male Adult (18+), Female Yoga Professional, Male Yoga Professional — receive 1st (₹75,000), 2nd (₹50,000), and 3rd (₹25,000) prizes.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants enhance their chances of winning in a photography competition?
Participants can improve their chances by focusing on originality, technical quality, adherence to the theme, and a compelling narrative in their submission. Attention to detail in pose, slogan, and background composition is crucial for a strong entry.
What are common mistakes applicants make in competitive photography submissions?
Common mistakes include poor lighting, low-resolution images, not following theme guidelines, and submitting unoriginal or heavily edited work that deviates from authenticity. Ensuring the yoga pose is correct and the slogan is relevant to the theme is also vital.
How is the judging process structured to ensure fairness and impartiality?
The judging process typically involves multiple rounds of evaluation by a diverse panel of experts, with anonymized submissions to minimize bias and ensure focus on merit. Entries are screened for compliance with rules and guidelines before final evaluation by the judging committee.
What is the long-term benefit of participating in national-level photography contests?
Participation offers national recognition, portfolio enhancement, networking opportunities, and valuable feedback, contributing to artistic growth and career development. It also provides a platform to celebrate and promote yoga and its benefits on a national scale.
How can participants manage competitive pressure during the submission period?
Focusing on personal artistic expression rather than solely on winning, seeking peer feedback, and ensuring timely submission can help manage competitive pressure effectively. Adequate preparation and starting early can significantly reduce last-minute stress.
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