On Monday (January 1, 2024), Gujarat set a Guinness World Record for performing “Surya Namaskar”, earning praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Swapnil Dangarika, the adjudicator at Guinness World Record told the ANI, “I was here to verify the records for the most people doing Surya Namaskar… After going through the evidence and seeing them perform in Modhera. They have successfully set a New Guinness World Record title for most people doing Surya Namaskar”.
Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar, also known as sun salutation, is a powerful exercise that can benefit the body, mind and spirit. This practice is a way of paying homage to the sun, comprising different Asanas or postures.
According to the state government’s data, more than 50,000 people participated in the event. The state’s name has been registered in the Guinness World Record on the New Year for performing ‘Surya Namaskar’ across 108 venues by many people. However, the main event was organised at the Modhera Sun Temple in Mehsana district.
Modhera Sun Temple and the Events
The Modhera Sun Temple is a historical Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun god, Surya, situated on the bank of river Pushpavati in the village of Modhera, Gujarat. Recently, over 4000 participants across 108 venues including families, students, yoga enthusiasts, and senior citizens gathered at the temple and other venues to perform the sun salutation. Also, the participants performed 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar, which was truly breathtaking.
The main event was held in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, which included cultural heritage, showcasing unity and promoting healthy living practices. The CM celebrated this exceptional achievement saying Gujarat has once again established the importance of the world. He said, “The first day of 2024 turned out to be a wonderful confluence of yoga, spirituality, culture and health…Under this programme organized with the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Bhai Modi…Gujarat set a Guinness World Record by performing a large number of Surya Namaskar.”
Prime Minister’s Reaction to Gujarat’s Guinness World Record
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the exceptional feat saying that this is indeed proof of our commitment to yoga and exhibiting our cultural heritage to the world. And urging everyone to make Surya Namaskar a part of their daily routine, as it holds immense benefits.
“Gujarat welcomed 2024 with a remarkable feat- setting a Guinness World Record for the most people performing Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 venues…The venues also include the iconic Modhera Sun Temple, where several people joined,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Response of HM
Gujarat’s Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi while interacting with the media said he stated that the people of Gujarat had set the same kind of record in 2023 for most performing Yoga together and today again Gujarat has set a World record. Even, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Gujarat for setting a new milestone at the beginning of the year, via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
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