Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead International Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam, joined by CM Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, as Andhra Pradesh eyes a new Guinness World Record
Published Jun 20, 2025 | 7:50 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 20, 2025 | 7:50 PM
international yoga day
Synopsis: A day before International Yoga Day, Visakhapatnam witnessed a historic spectacle as over 25,000 tribal students performed Surya Namaskars for 108 minutes on 20 June. Held at Andhra University Engineering College grounds under the “Yogandhra 2025” banner, the event aimed to set a Guinness World Record and highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s global push for yoga awareness
A day ahead of the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations to be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Visakhapatnam made history of sorts on Friday, 20 June.
Over 25,000 tribal students performed Surya Namaskars for 108 minutes, aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the largest group and most simultaneous participants performing the ancient yoga sequence.
This spectacular demonstration, part of the grand “Yogandhra 2025” initiative, took place at the Andhra University Engineering College grounds, adding a cultural and communal dimension to the the global celebration of yoga on Saturday, 21 June.
The international Yoga day is scheduled to be held from on Saturday and is a cornerstone of Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to promote yoga and secure international recognition.
The Surya Namaskar demonstration by 25,000 tribal students, primarily from the Alluri Sitharama Raju district, was a standout feature of the Yogandhra initiative.
The students, hailing from remote tribal areas such as Gumma Lakshmipuram and Kurupam, have been trained to perform the 12-step sequence in perfect synchronization for 108 minutes—a duration considered auspicious in yogic tradition. The performance is expected to showcase the cultural richness of Andhra Pradesh’s tribal communities while highlighting the universal appeal of yoga.
Narendra Modi, who proposed the establishment of International Yoga Day at the United Nations in 2014, will lead the celebrations in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. His presence is expected to elevate the event’s global visibility, with Andhra Pradesh aiming to surpass Surat’s 2023 Guinness World Record of 1.53 lakh participants.
Modi will be joined by Chief Minister Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union ministers, and other dignitaries, with standardized security protocols in place to ensure safety.
The event will also feature a 45-minute Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session, designed by the Ministry of AYUSH, beginning with a minute of prayer followed by loosening exercises and asanas. This structured session aims to bring uniformity to the mass yoga demonstration, which will span over 8 lakh locations globally and has garnered 2.39 crore registrations worldwide, surpassing the initial target of 2 crore.
While the event has generated excitement, it has also sparked some controversy. In Visakhapatnam, last-minute preparations, including road repairs and beautification efforts, have caused significant traffic congestion, drawing criticism from residents and political opponents. Locals have accused the TDP government of prioritising record-setting spectacles over long-term infrastructure development, with ambulances reportedly stuck in traffic for extended periods.
This year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlights the connection between human well-being and ecological balance. The Visakhapatnam event, with its record-breaking aspirations and inclusive participation, aligns with this vision, promoting yoga as a tool for physical, mental, and spiritual harmony. Chief Minister Naidu has called for a declaration to make yoga a part of everyday life, a sentiment echoed by organizers and participants alike.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
