6,000 perform Bhujangasana at Hyderabad, set Asia Book of Records mark
Synopsis
Over 6,000 participants at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad simultaneously performed Bhujangasana on 2 May 2026, earning an Asia Book of Records entry — the centrepiece of a 50-day countdown to International Day of Yoga 2026 that includes a 100-day free training drive targeting over 1 lakh citizens nationwide.
Key Takeaways
Over 6,000 yoga enthusiasts performed Bhujangasana simultaneously at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad on 2 May 2026 , entering the Asia Book of Records .
The event marked the 50-day countdown to International Day of Yoga 2026 on 21 June 2026 .
Organised by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the Ministry of Ayush , led by ministers Prataprao Jadhav and G.
A 100-day free yoga training programme is targeting over 1 lakh participants with Yog Mitra certification .
The next Yoga Mahotsav (25-day countdown) will be held at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh .
Over 6,000 yoga enthusiasts performed Bhujangasana simultaneously at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, Telangana, on 2 May 2026, entering the Asia Book of Records for the largest gathering to perform the asana in unison. The feat was achieved during Yoga Mahotsav, organised as part of the 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026.
Key Developments
The event was organised by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Ministry of Ayush. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav and Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy led participants in setting the record, according to an official statement.
This marks a significant milestone in the government's sustained push to position India as the global centre of yoga and wellness, coming exactly 50 days before the international observance on 21 June 2026.
What the Ministers Said
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Kishan Reddy said, "Yoga is not merely India's ancient heritage but a priceless gift to humanity. Today, leaders, professionals, and people across the world practice Yoga and benefit from it." He added that Hyderabad, already recognised globally for innovation and technology, should also emerge as a global hub for yoga and holistic wellness.
Minister Prataprao Jadhav stated, "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yoga has evolved into a global movement for holistic well-being, promoting physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance." He also highlighted India's growing role in wellness and health tourism.
Yoga 365 Initiative and Free Training
Jadhav highlighted the newly launched Yoga 365 initiative, saying the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with Habuild and MDNIY, is encouraging citizens to make yoga an integral part of daily life. A 100-day free yoga training programme is currently under way until 21 June 2026, targeting participation of over 1 lakh individuals and offering Yog Mitra certification.
Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, acknowledged the contribution of the institute and stated, "Kanha Shanti Vanam reflects the peace and balance that Yoga seeks to cultivate. This gathering is intended to ignite a nationwide movement towards health and unity."
What's Next
The next Yoga Mahotsav, marking the 25-day countdown to IDY 2026, will be organised at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, symbolising the confluence of India's cultural heritage, architecture, and wellness traditions. The Ministry also appreciated the efforts of MDNIY and the Yoga Certification Board for conducting yoga sessions over six months during World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. With the countdown now firmly under way, the government's multi-city Mahotsav series is set to build momentum ahead of the global observance next month.
Point of View
But the more consequential story is the Ministry of Ayush's systematic use of multi-city Mahotsav events to build a policy narrative around yoga as a public health tool ahead of IDY 2026. The Yoga 365 and free-training initiatives signal an intent to move beyond ceremonial observances toward measurable participation targets — though independent verification of the 1 lakh enrolment claim will be the real test. Hyderabad's selection as the launch venue, followed by Khajuraho, also reflects a deliberate cultural-geography strategy that links wellness branding to heritage tourism.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What record was set at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad?
Over 6,000 yoga enthusiasts simultaneously performed Bhujangasana at Kanha Shanti Vanam on 2 May 2026, entering the Asia Book of Records for the largest gathering to perform the asana in unison.
What is Yoga Mahotsav and why was it held?
Yoga Mahotsav is a series of large-scale yoga events organised by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the Ministry of Ayush. The Hyderabad edition marked the 50-day countdown to International Day of Yoga 2026, observed annually on 21 June.
What is the Yoga 365 initiative?
Yoga 365 is a campaign launched by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with Habuild and MDNIY to encourage citizens to practise yoga daily. It includes a 100-day free yoga training programme running until 21 June 2026, targeting over 1 lakh participants and offering Yog Mitra certification.
Where will the next Yoga Mahotsav be held?
The next Yoga Mahotsav, marking the 25-day countdown to International Day of Yoga 2026, will be held at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, chosen to symbolise the confluence of India's cultural heritage, architecture, and wellness traditions.
Which ministers participated in the Hyderabad Yoga Mahotsav?
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav led participants at the event, alongside Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush.
