VISAKHAPATNAM, India (Diya TV) — In a historic celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga, Visakhapatnam set a new Guinness World Record as a staggering 300,105 participants gathered along Beach Road for the largest yoga lesson ever held.
The record-breaking event, known as Yogandhra, was organized by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. It brought together people from across the state and beyond for a one-hour session from 7 to 8 a.m. This massive show of unity and well-being was guided by none other than Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised the achievement and joined the practice virtually.
The Guinness World Records organization officially confirmed the achievement in a post on social media. It read, “Today an incredible 300,105 participants took part in the largest yoga lesson ever, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.”
This event beat the previous record of 147,952 participants, set in Surat, Gujarat, in 2023. The new record places Andhra Pradesh at the center of the global yoga map.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his pride in the historic achievement. In a statement on X, he said, “This achievement belongs to every citizen of Andhra Pradesh. I thank everyone of you who made this possible. Your enthusiasm and dedication have been truly inspiring. This record shows what we can achieve when we unite with a purpose.”
The event wasn’t just about numbers. It showcased a shared commitment to health, fitness, and inner peace. People of all ages participated, making it a true community celebration.
Prime Minister Modi, who proposed the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations in 2014, called the event a source of inspiration. “Yoga brings people together, once again! Kudos to the people of Andhra Pradesh for their efforts in embedding yoga into their lives,” he said in a social media post.
Since the first International Yoga Day in 2015, global participation has skyrocketed. According to UNESCO statistics, the number has grown from 35,000 participants in 2015 to over 175 million in 2025.
The record-breaking event in Visakhapatnam also comes at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, with the Iran-Israel conflict unfolding on June 22. Yet, the massive turnout in India sends a hopeful message: well-being and unity remain universal goals, even in challenging times.
Yoga, with its roots in ancient Indian tradition, continues to gain ground worldwide as a tool for mental clarity, physical health, and emotional balance. The Yogandhra event reinforced India’s leadership in spreading that message.
Andhra Pradesh’s success with Yogandhra reflects careful planning and passionate participation. Volunteers, local organizations, and thousands of citizens worked together to make the event a success.
The atmosphere along Beach Road in Visakhapatnam was electric, with rows of yoga mats stretching as far as the eye could see. People came early, followed the instructors, and moved in harmony. It was more than a lesson. It was a moment of pride and purpose.
As the world faces growing health concerns, this record-breaking yoga session shows how community-driven efforts can have a massive impact.
