Gujarat welcomes 2024 with ‘Surya Namaskar’ Guinness World Record

GANDHINAGAR: A Guinness World Record was set in Gujarat on Monday after more than 50,000 people performed the Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 venues, even as PM Narendra Modi hailed the achievement, saying that Gujarat “welcomed 2024 with a remarkable feat”.

Surya Namaskar or sun salutation is an ancient Yogic practice of paying respect to the rising sun and comprises different postures or asanas.

The state government said on Monday that Gujarat’s name has been registered in the Guinness World Records on the very first day of 2024 for the largest number of people, performing Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 venues.

More than 50,000 people took part in the statewide event, the release informed. The event was a culmination of a ‘Surya Namaskar’ competition held from the taluka to state level over the past few weeks.

Chief minister Bhupendra Patel presided over the state-level culmination of the competition at Modhera Sun temple in Mehsana district.

“Gujarat welcomed 2024 with a remarkable feat — setting a Guinness World Record for the most number of people performing Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 venues! As we all know, the number 108 holds a special significance in our culture. The venues also included the iconic Modhera Sun Temple, where several people joined,” the PM said in a X post on Monday.

“This is indeed a true testament to our commitment to yoga and our cultural heritage. I also urge you all to make Surya Namaskar a part of your daily routine. The benefits are immense,” the Prime Minister further said.

Union home Minister Amit Shah too hailed the achievement. Posting pictures of people performing Surya Namaskar at the Modhera temple, Shah said in an X post, “Our culture is our pride. Proud women and men in Gujarat welcomed 2024 by performing Surya Namaskar at 108 venues and set a Guinness World Record for the same.”

He added, “Every proud nationalist felt the joy of seeing venues like the Modhera Sun Temple beaming with the zest of the Surya Namaskar performers. Let this event be the pedestal for a pledge to practise yoga every day and live a healthy life.”

Addressing a gathering outside Modhera Sun Temple, the CM said people have now adopted yoga and Surya Namaskar for a healthy life. An official statement, quoting the CM, said that the ancient practice of yoga, pranayam and Surya Namaskar not only helps a person attain good health through exercise, but also connects an individual with spirituality.


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