Visakhapatnam: The serene coastal city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh etched its name in the record books on International Yoga Day, creating two Guinness World Records in a spectacular celebration of India’s ancient wellness tradition. Held on Saturday, the event drew participation from lakhs of people and was marked by the presence of top national and state leaders.
Organised by the Ayush Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the event saw Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi leading the celebrations. Addressing the gathering, he underlined yoga’s potential to transform individual lives and build a healthier society.
The coastal city set two Guinness World Records, including the “Largest Yoga Lesson at a Single Venue” and “Most People Performing Surya Namaskar Simultaneously”.
The first record was achieved along the 30-kilometre stretch of Visakhapatnam’s scenic Beach Road. The grand yoga session witnessed the participation of over 3 lakh people, who performed the Common Yoga protocol in perfect unison, guided by certified instructors.
The second record saw over 25,000 people simultaneously perform the Surya Namaskar. The feat, a powerful display of synchronisation and spiritual energy, showcased India’s commitment to wellness and discipline.
The mega event was led on the ground by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, whose vision and leadership were pivotal to the event’s scale and execution. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. AS Krishna, senior Ayush Ministry officials, and district officials were also present and played key roles in the successful coordination of the event.
The execution of the record attempts was spearheaded by Shri Nischal Barot, India’s leading Guinness World Records consultant and founder of Kemi’s Connect. With more than 60 world record executions to his name, Mr. Barot and his team handled the massive logistics, steward training, real-time tracking, and strict adherence to Guinness World Records’ protocols.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Barot said, “To execute two world records of this magnitude at a single venue in one day is an incredible achievement. The overwhelming public enthusiasm and the proactive support from the administration clearly signal that Visakhapatnam is poised to become the Eastern Capital of Yoga. It was an honour to be a part of this historic celebration.”
The twin world records are not only spiritual milestones but also enhance Visakhapatnam’s image as a global centre for wellness and cultural diplomacy. The success reinforces the Andhra Pradesh Government’s commitment to promoting yoga as a transformative tool for public health, global outreach, and tourism.
It is noteworthy that the AYUSH Ministry is focused on the development and promotion of traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homoeopathy.