Are you ready for the Yogathon Challenge?

Over 1.25 million  people across 28 states, will perform Surya Namaskars on World Health Day this April 7

Yogathon, a unique nation-wide initiative by The Art of Living, will see over 1.25 million  people across 28 states, performing Surya Namaskars (Sun Salutations) on April 7, 2012, The World Health Day. Yoga enthusiasts will get together for this entry-free event in their respective cities to experience and promote the benefits of Surya Namaskar and yoga.

The Yogathon Challenge will allow people to participate to the best of their ability and will challenge participants to complete 108 rounds of Surya Namaskar.

"In today's world, everyone is looking for a shortcut to health. Surya Namaskar is a series of 12 asanas which helps to tone up the body, rejuvenate internal organs and brings good health in a simple yet effective manner", shares, Sri Dinesh Ghodke, Faculty, The Art of Living.

It will be held in 1800 venues across India in schools, parks, colleges, stadiums, prisons, rehabilitation centers, orphanages and clubs.

"We spend half our health to gain wealth; and then half the wealth to gain back the health!" Said Suresh Babu, the organizer of Yogathon at Bangalore Shalini Grounds, where 1000 participants are expected to turn up. He continued, "Yoga is a natural way to be healthy without any side-effects. So, masses will benefit through such events."

Bangalore alone is set to witness over 24,000 participants performing at 97 venues. M. S. Ramiah College, KIMS College, St. Mary's School and Nisarga School among many will participate in this historic event. Motivated by the objective of promoting good health and well-being, the Bangalore Airport Command personnels are too gearing up to be a part of the challenge and have begun their practice.

From corporate houses like Forbes Marshal and Spice Board Kerala, to educational institutions, to sportsmen like Leander Paes, this event, has also garnered enthusiastic response from 560 schools and over 180 colleges across India.
 
The event will also find prisoners across 34 prisons take up the Yogathon challenge. Around 3800 prisoners in Tihar jail will take up the challenge.

The event will be from 6:00am to 7:30am and from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Participants of The Yogathon Challenge will receive a 'Spirit of Yoga Certificate' and the winners who successfully complete 54 rounds will be awarded the Gold Certificate.