PM Modi lauds Gujarat for setting Guinness World Record for largest Surya Namaskar performance

Gujarat has achieved a remarkable feat by entering the Guinness Book of World Records for organising the largest Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation performance. This morning, more than 4,000 participants across 108 locations and 51 categories gathered to perform Surya Namaskar, showcasing the state’s dedication to wellness and cultural heritage.

The event took place at the beautiful Modhera Sun Temple and saw active participation from diverse groups, including families, students, yoga enthusiasts, and senior citizens.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy and praised Gujarat for this outstanding accomplishment. He encouraged all citizens to incorporate Surya Namaskar into their daily routines.

Gujarat welcomed 2024 with a remarkable feat – setting a Guinness World Record for the most 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 include the iconic Modhera Sun… pic.twitter.com/xU8ANLT1aP

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 1, 2024

Surya Namaskar, comprising twelve graceful postures synchronised with breath, pays homage to the sun — a source of life and energy in many cultures. Beyond its physical benefits, the practice is revered for promoting mental tranquility and spiritual well-being. Regular adherence is believed to enhance flexibility, improve strength, stimulate vital organs, and bring about a harmonious balance between mind, body, and spirit.

Here’s how you can perform Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a yoga practice that comprises a sequence of twelve graceful postures. (Source: Freepik)

Step 1: Pranamasana (Prayer Pose) Begin your Sun Salutation by standing at the edge of your mat with feet together. Balance your weight evenly on both feet, expand your chest, and relax your shoulders. Inhale, lifting both arms from the sides, and exhale, bringing your palms together in a prayer position.

Step 2: Hastauttanasana (Raised Arms Pose) Inhale, lifting your arms up and back, keeping the biceps close to the ears. Focus on stretching your entire body from heels to fingertips in this pose.

Step 3: Hastapadasana (Standing Forward Bend) Exhale, bending forward from the waist while keeping the spine erect. Exhale completely, bringing your hands down to the floor beside your feet.

Step 4: Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose) Inhale, push your right leg back as far as possible. Bring the right knee to the floor and gaze upward.

Step 5: Dandasana (Stick Pose) Breathe in, taking the left leg back, aligning the whole body in a straight line.

Step 6: Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute with Eight Parts) Gently bring your knees down to the floor, exhale, shift back, and rest your chest and chin on the floor. Raise your posterior slightly, ensuring that the two hands, two feet, two knees, chest, and chin touch the floor.

Step 7: Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) Slide forward, inhale, and raise the chest into Cobra pose. Keep your elbows bent and shoulders away from the ears. Look up at the ceiling.

Step 8: Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) Exhale, lift the hips and tailbone up, creating an inverted ‘V’ pose with your body.

Step 9: Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose) Inhale, bring the right foot forward between the two hands. Lower the left knee to the floor, press the hips down, and look up.

Step 10: Hastapadasana (Standing Forward Bend) Exhale, bring the left foot forward. Keep your palms on the floor and bend the knees if needed.

Step 11: Hastauttanasana (Raised Arms Pose) Inhale, roll the spine up, raise your hands, and bend backward slightly, pushing your hips outward.

Step 12: Tadasana (Mountain Pose) As you exhale, straighten the body, bring the arms down, relax, and observe sensations.

This concludes one set of Surya Namaskar. To complete the round, repeat the steps. Start the second round by taking the left foot back in step number 4 and bringing the left foot forward in step number 9. Once done, you would have completed one full round of Surya Namaskar.

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