1.25 million people to observe 'Yogathon' Saturday

Bangalore, April 6 (IANS) More than a million people across India are expected to be part of a 'Yogathon' Saturday performing 'Surya Namaskars' (Salutations to the Sun) to mark World Health Day.

The 'yogathon' is being organized by the Bangalore-based Art of Living (AoL) founded by spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

"This 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, the World Health Day," AoL said in a statement here Friday.

The event will be from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

It will be held in 1,800 venues across India in schools, parks, colleges, stadia, prisons, rehabilitation centres, orphanages and clubs, the statement said.

Bangalore alone is set to witness over 24,000 participants performing at 97 venues.

Inmates in 34 prisons in different parts of the country, including 3,800 in Delhi's Tihar jail, will also take part.

"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," it said.

'Surya Namaskar' is a series of 12 'asanas' (exercise) and part of the ancient Indian tradition of 'Yoga' that promotes health.