Hyderabad, May 2 (IANS). More than 6,000 yoga lovers performed ‘Bhujangasana’ together at Kanha Shanthi Vanam in Telangana. An official said on Saturday that their name has been registered in the ‘Asia Book of Records’ as the largest crowd of people doing this asana at the same time.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of AYUSH and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav and Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy led the participants in creating this Asian record.
Thousands of enthusiasts gathered for the ‘Yoga Mahotsav’, which marked the beginning of the 50-day countdown to International Yoga Day 2026. The event was organized by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the Ministry of AYUSH.
Union Minister Kishan Reddy said that Yoga is not only the ancient heritage of India but also a priceless gift to humanity. Today leaders, professionals and common people around the world practice and benefit from yoga.
He said that to make India a ‘developed India’ by 2047, we will have to build a healthy, peaceful and disciplined society. Yoga provides a practical and affordable solution to today’s modern challenges, such as stress, unhealthy lifestyle and pollution.
Reddy said Hyderabad, already recognized globally for innovation and technology, should now also emerge as a global hub for yoga and holistic wellness.
Jadhav said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has become a global movement for holistic well-being, promoting physical health, mental clarity and emotional balance.
Emphasizing on India’s growing role in the field of wellness and health tourism, he said that Yoga has further strengthened the country’s identity as a global hub of wellness and holistic healthcare.
Referring to the recently launched ‘Yoga 365’ initiative, he said that through the Yoga 365 campaign, the Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with Habuild and MDNIY, is encouraging citizens to make Yoga an integral part of their daily lives.
A 100-day free yoga training program is being organized till June 21. It aims to ensure participation of more than 1 lakh people and provide ‘Yoga Mitra’ certification.
The minister announced that the next ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ will be held in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, marking the 25-day countdown to IDY 2026. The event will symbolize the confluence of India’s cultural heritage, architecture and wellness traditions.
The Minister also appreciated the efforts of ‘Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga’ and ‘Yoga Certification Board’ for organizing yoga sessions for six months during the ‘World Expo 2025’ held in Osaka, Japan.
Acknowledging the contribution of the institute, Monalisa Das, Joint Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, said that Kanha Shanti Vanam reflects the peace and balance that yoga strives to inculcate. The objective of this gathering is to ignite a nationwide movement towards health and unity.
–IANS
ASH/DKP
