Gujarat marked a major achievement on the 11th International Yoga Day by setting a new Guinness World Record. At Sharmishtha Lake in Vadnagar, the hometown of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 2,121 people performed Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) at the same time. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was led the event, which was a part of the state-level Yoga Day celebration. In keeping with Gujarat's goal of creating a state free of obesity and promoting health, this year's theme was "Yog for One Earth, One Health."
Celebration with Global Impact
Chief Minister Patel joined the event along with Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, local MLAs, the District Panchayat President, and other state leaders. The gathering also watched a live speech by PM Modi broadcasted from Visakhapatnam. CM Patel shared that yoga is not just a physical activity but a way of life. He praised PM Modi’s role in making yoga a global movement and acknowledged the UN's recognition of International Yoga Day since 2015.
Gujarat has already made similar global records in the past. In 2023, around 1.5 lakh people performed yoga together in Surat. On January 1, 2024, over 50,000 participants** did Surya Namaskar across 108 places. These events were also officially recorded by Guinness World Records.
Yoga as a Path to Better Living
During his address, CM Patel noted that yoga helps connect the body, mind, and spirit, offering benefits like stress relief and better immunity. He said that around 1.5 crore people across Gujarat took part in yoga sessions on this day. He also highlighted PM Modi’s efforts in public health through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat.
Health Minister Rushikesh Patel added that pranayama and yoga have been a part of Indian life for centuries and now the world is beginning to follow. Gujarat State Yoga Board Chairman Sheeshpal Rajput also explained how yoga improves both mental and spiritual health, promoting a balanced lifestyle.
