The benefit of a few thousand people offering salutations to the Sun God could reach more than 4 million New Zealanders, thanks to a unique Yogathon held throughout New Zealand last fortnight.
More than 60 groups and associations including the Art of Living Foundation and hundreds of individuals participated in the ‘Yogathon Fortnight,’ which began on August 13 with ‘Health for Humanity’ as its theme.
Participants performed ‘Surya Namaskar,’ (Obeisance to Sun) as a part of the Project, which would hopefully become an annual event.
According to the Hindu faith, apart from religious connotations, Surya Namaskar offered several health benefits, with the early rays of the Sun ‘bathing’ the human body. The Puranas prescribed a number of ‘slokas’ and mantras in praise of the Sun God to encourage people to practice this physical and mental exercise, devoid of equipment and side-effects.
National Coordinator Venkat Koppaka said that the objective was to reach at least 100,000 Salutations through public participation.
“Such repetitions were either in groups or at time. Local and regional coordinators have maintained counts, which will be combined for announcement later,” he said.
Mr Koppaka said Surya Namaskar consists of a series of simple yoga postures of well-balanced movements linked with simple breathing technique.
“Yogathon aimed to promote yoga widely in a scientific perspective of health and introduce it as a part of school curriculum and encourage healthy living. Formal ceremonies marked the launch of Yogathon in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Wellington,” he said.
Wellington Coordinator Aparna Roy said three-year old children were among the enthusiastic participants in the Capital.
For more details about the Project, visit www.yogathon-nz.org
