In a spectacular display of devotion and wellness, the Srikakulam district administration organized a grand mass surya namaskaram event as part of the Ratha Saptami celebrations. The occasion witnessed the participation of nearly 10,000 students and yoga practitioners who came together to perform the ancient sun salutation ritual in unison.
Transformation of City Road into Yoga Arena
For this mega event, the administration creatively transformed an 80-foot road in the city into a sprawling yoga arena. This innovative use of public space allowed for the large-scale participation and created a unique visual spectacle for the community.
Spiritual Morning Under Gentle Sun
The event commenced under a gentle morning sun, providing perfect conditions for the yoga practice. Officials described the scene as a visual treat for spectators, with the synchronized movements of thousands of participants creating a mesmerizing display. The collective energy of the large crowd performing surya namaskarams simultaneously filled the city with what authorities called spiritual energy and a heightened sense of health consciousness.
Dignitaries Lead the Celebrations
The event was formally inaugurated by District Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar and MLA Gondu Shankar, who lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the beginning of the celebrations. Demonstrating personal commitment to the cause, MLA Shankar took to the stage to perform yoga postures, serving as an inspiration and motivation for all participants.
Wide Participation from Officials and Institutions
The gathering saw participation from numerous district officials including:
- Joint Collector Farman Ahmed Khan
- RDO Sai Pratyush
- DSP Vivekananda
- District AYUSH Officer Jagadish
- Arasavalli Temple Executive Officer Prasada Rao
- Social Welfare DD Madhusudhan Rao
Representatives from various educational institutions and yoga training centers joined the event in significant numbers. Students from the Patanjali Yoga Centre formed a substantial contingent among the participants, contributing to what organizers declared a grand success of the program.
Blending Tradition with Wellness
This Ratha Saptami celebration successfully merged traditional religious observance with contemporary health and wellness practices. The mass surya namaskaram event not only honored the spiritual significance of the festival but also promoted physical fitness and community participation in wellness activities.
The district administration's initiative to organize such a large-scale yoga event demonstrates the growing recognition of yoga's importance in public health initiatives and cultural celebrations across India.
