As India celebrates 75 years of Independence with the Azadi Ka Amrit Mohatsav, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in collaboration with the National Yogasana Sports Federation has organised a 750 million Surya Namaskar Challenge event, commencing on January 12 and running until February 7.
India’s ancient sages have gifted the world a unique combination of physical and spiritual activity that positively impacts the body, mind and intellect – the Surya Namaskar. While speaking on the iGlobal’s iWellness Show, UK-based Yoga and meditation teacher Jyoti Chadda noted that “we as Indians have this amazing practice that comes from our culture. We should be celebrating it more. Yoga is a lifestyle”.
Additionally, Founder of Hot Yoga Nottingham, Anand Parekh breaks down the poses of Surya namaskar performed at the beginning of the Ashtanga and the Vinyasa Yoga routines. He suggests: “start practising now to reap the long-term benefits.”
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We might be living longer in the 21st century, but are we really living better? Millions of people follow unhealthy lifestyle. Whether it’s sitting at their desks for too long, subjecting their eyes to uninterrupted hours of screen time on phones or desktops, children spending hours on different type of screen, ordering too many takeaways for dinner, or not finding enough time to catch those precious eight hours of sleep… all these factors have led to people encountering major health issues, that affects not just their physical wellbeing, but also mental health, causing intense stress and anxiety.
While exercising is an effective way to combat these health issues, the ancient practice of Surya Namaskar is a much better way in battling modern lifestyle diseases.
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Along with numerous health benefits, Surya Namaskar provides a stepping stone in the direction of a healthy lifestyle. Just the single act of doing the practice in the morning sets the tone for an energetic and positive day. The process of waking up early to workout 13 Surya Namaskar can enhance your productivity by giving you more time and energy for the things you enjoy doing. Of course the health benefits are some of the most important things to focus on.
The general posture of the body is improved with the creation of a strong and flexible spine.
Improvement of blood circulation to the whole spinal and para-spinal area.
Enhancement of musculoskeletal functions of the upper and lower limbs.
Cardio-respiratory functions are improved.
Metabolism of the body is improved.
Activation of the sluggish neuroendocrine system.
Boosts immunity system.
Digestion is improved.
The 75 million Surya Namaskar challenge, backed by India’s Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), aims at creating the largest congregational Surya Namaskar event, with each participant also receiving a certificate upon completing the 21-day Surya Namaskar challenger.
The Consulate General of India in Birmingham is inviting British Indians to send in their photographs of the challenge to be published across social media.
*Info: Surya Namaskar Challenge