A Guinness World Record was set in Gujarat on New Year's Day after more than 50,000 people performed the Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 venues, even as PM Narendra Modi celebrated the achievement, saying that Gujarat “welcomed 2024 with a remarkable feat”. A splendid start to 2024 with splendid record creations.

Surya Namaskar or sun salutation is an ancient Yogic practice of paying respect to the rising sun and comprises different postures or asanas. Our culture has always been centered around ecological things that keep us reinforcing our connection with our environmental being.

The state government said on Monday that Gujarat’s name had 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. An official release stated that the state function of the event was held at Modhera Sun Temple in Modhera of Mehsana district in which Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Sports Harsh Sanghavi were present. The event was organised by the Gujarat State Yoga Board.

Winners from the campaigns were the participants in the state-level function at Modhera. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also awarded prizes to the winners

The number 108 added just like a cherry on the cake as we all know that this digit holds so much of extraordinary significance in our lives.

"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.

Home Minister Amit Shah 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.”

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. It helps an individual being transported to altogether a different world.

What better could have been the start of 2024, where we Indians did start it with creating records. May the testament of record shall predict many more record-breaking success to the country people and international fraternity at large.

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Reference:

• timesofindia.indiatimes.com
• indianexpress.com