In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi walked 390 km from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to defy an unjust law. This year, walk the same distance in steps — from your street, your treadmill, your city — on your own schedule.
Gandhi's 24-day walk to Dandi was never about the miles — it was about showing up, every single day, for something larger than yourself. The 500K Step Challenge borrows that spirit and turns it into a personal health goal anyone can complete.
Spread across weeks, 500,000 steps works out to a manageable daily target — enough to build a habit that outlasts the challenge.
No fixed route or start line. Log steps from your neighbourhood, gym, or morning commute — wherever your day takes you.
Join a community of participants across India and abroad, all tracing the same historic distance together, at their own pace.
On 12 March 1930, Gandhi set out from Sabarmati Ashram with 78 companions. Twenty-four days and 390 km later, he reached the coastal village of Dandi and broke the British salt law by making salt from seawater — igniting a nationwide movement.
Read the full storyThe march begins with a vow: not to return to the ashram until salt tax is abolished.
Thousands join in at each stop, swelling the march from 79 to several thousand marchers.
After 390 km on foot, the marchers reach the Arabian Sea coast.
Gandhi picks up a lump of natural salt, defying colonial law in a single symbolic act.
Sign up online and receive your participant kit details and tracking instructions.
Walk daily and log your steps through the challenge window using your preferred fitness tracker.
Cross 500,000 steps to earn your finisher e-certificate and medal, mailed to your address.
Stories from walkers, runners and record-holders who took on the challenge in past editions.
"I'm glad that I took the 500K Step Challenge and stood as a winner for the Gandhi Jayanti contest, gifted a beautiful smart watch. Always thankful to P. Venkatraman sir for encouraging us to choose the difficult but consistent challenge."
"A phenomenal experience for me and my team. Connected to the historical Dandi March, checkpoints were paired with our steps and runs. The certificates at every checkpoint gave a real sense of achievement."
"A unique concept that inspired me to follow Bapu's path — I completed the challenge in 71 days. Our coach Mr. Venkatraman has been a great inspiration to us. I look forward eagerly to the next edition!"
"Nothing beats the excitement of a first experience, and it becomes unforgettable when a milestone is achieved. I completed my target and even won a watch — a great way of appreciation. Looking forward to participating again and again."
"With my daily walking and running schedule, I completed this target six times during the scheduled period! One must not underestimate ourselves — have the determination that yes, I can do it, and I will achieve the goal."
Registration for Edition 5.0 is open. Walk at your own pace, wherever you are — every step counts toward 500,000.
Register Now