Gujarat Sets Yoga Record on International Day

Vadnagar, Gujarat – The state-level celebration of the 11th International Yog Day was held at Sharmishtha Lake in Vadnagar, the ancestral hometown of Prime Ministeri Narendra Modi. Chief Ministeri Bhupendra Patel graced the occasion, which was organised under the theme “Yog for One Earth, One Health”, reflecting Gujarat’s vision of “Healthy Gujarat – Obesity-Free Gujarat.”

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat achieved a remarkable milestone on this Yog Day by setting a new Guinness World Record, with 2,121 Yog practitioners performing Bhujangasana simultaneously at the iconic Sharmishtha Lake in Vadnagar. This achievement adds to Gujarat’s growing list of global recognitions, as the state had previously secured two prestigious records — in 2023, during the 9th International Yog Day in Surat, 1.50 lakh people performed Yog together, and on 1st January 2024, 50,000 participants performed Surya Namaskar simultaneously across 108 locations. Both feats have been officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participated in the Yog Day celebrations held in Vadnagar. He was joined by Health Minister  Rushikesh Patel, MLAs from Mehsana district, the District Panchayat President, the Municipal President, Gujarat Yog Board Chairman  Sheeshpal Rajput, along with other dignitaries and officials. Everyone at the event watched the live telecast of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi’s inspiring address from Visakhapatnam.

Extending greetings on this occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that Yog is a timeless aspect of India’s ancient culture, a priceless gift to all of humanity. It is through the visionary leadership and consistent efforts of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi that this ancient tradition has received global recognition, with the United Nations declaring International Yog Day a worldwide celebration.

Highlighting that this year marks the 11th International Yog Day since its inception in 2015, Chief Ministeri Bhupendra Patel stated that Yog is not merely a form of exercise, but an art of living. He emphasized that Yog is a science that unites the body, mind, and spirit with focus and balance. Through the regular practice of Yog, individuals can experience stress relief, enhanced immunity, and a more positive outlook on life. Moreover, Yog teaches self-discipline, restraint, and inner awakening.

CM further mentioned that approximately 1.5 crore people across the state—from municipal corporations to village panchayats—participated in collective Yog sessions to mark the 11th International Yog Day. He also made a special reference to the completion of 11 years of successful governance under the leadership of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi, highlighting the Prime Minister’s efforts in promoting public health, from the widespread adoption of Yog to the implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme.

He added that, thanks to the inspiration and persistent efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s ancient legacy of Yog and pranayama has now become an integral part of daily life for people across the globe.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that we must collectively resolve to build a “Healthy Gujarat, Obesity-Free Gujarat” while honouring our cultural heritage and ancient traditions. He emphasized the need to transform Yog — rooted in our ancient legacy — into a mass movement, as part of the broader vision of creating a developed, healthy, and prosperous Gujarat for Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

Health Minister  Rushikesh Patel remarked that Pranayam has been deeply interwoven in our daily lives since ancient times. He stated that Yog and pranayama not only contribute to physical well-being but also keep the body energized. He further added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has remarkably brought the ideals of Yog — along with our literature and cultural heritage — to global attention, establishing their value in promoting health.

The Minister also highlighted that the world is now ready to embrace our ancient customs and traditions rooted in our rich history and culture. Let us honour our ancient heritage by making Yog a part of our daily lives and moving towards a healthier, balanced future 

Chairman of the Gujarat State Yog Board, Sheeshpal Rajput delivered the welcome address. He elaborated on how Yog connects the practitioner not just to physical wellness, but also to mental and spiritual well-being.