The Ministry of AYUSH has decided to organise a “Global Surya Namaskar Demonstration Programme” on January 14, 2022, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

About Global Surya Namaskar Demonstration Programme

• The event will be organised for 75 lakh people across India.
• During the event, Surya Namaskar will be offered as a salutation to the Sun for exhibiting one’s gratitude for its rays because it nurtures all living being.
• Mass Surya Namaskar demonstration programme also seeks to carry the message of global warming and climate change.

Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation or Salute to the Sun

Surya Namaskar is a practice in yoga as exercise, which incorporates a series of a twelve gracefully linked asanas. It was first recorded as yoga during 20th century. However, similar exercises were in use in India before that, especially among wrestlers. The set of 12 asanas is dedicated to the solar deity Surya. In some Indian traditions, each position is linked with a different mantra.

Origin of Surya Namaskar

The precise origins of the Surya Namaskar are uncertain. However, the sequence was made popular by Bhawanrao Shriniwasrao Pant Pratinidhi, in the early 20th century. It was adopted into yoga by Krishnamacharya in the Mysore Palace.

Significance of Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar is known to develop immunity and improve vitality, which are significant amid the covid-19 pandemic. Exposure to the Sun provides Vitamin D to the human body, which is widely recommended in all medical branches worldwide.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is the transition day of Sun into the Capricorn. During this phase, the sun moves northwards in the Hindu calendar. It is dedicated to the deity Surya. The day is observed each year when Sun enters the Capricorn zodiac, corresponding with the January month of Gregorian calendar. This day marks the first day of the sun’s transit into Makara Rashi.