Over 5,300 join largest yoga gathering in Malaysia
SERDANG : In 2014, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi proposed to the United Nations an annual International Day of Yoga. The selected date, June 21, marks the summer solstice and symbolises light, energy and renewal.
The first official celebration took place in New Delhi in 2015, where two Guinness World Records were set: one for the largest yoga class with 35,985 people, and another for the highest number of participating nationalities, at 84.
Now, Malaysia has added its own milestone to the global movement. On Saturday (June 21), some 5,368 participants came together at MAEPS Serdang for the largest yoga gathering in the country's history.
The event, organised by the Sakthi School of Yoga, was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records.
SK Durai, founder of the Sakthi School of Yoga, leading an 18-minute yoga practice. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic)
Participants began arriving as early as 7am, all dressed in white with yoga mats slung over their shoulders. The crowd was a vibrant mix of men, women, young and old, including several first-timers.
On stage, experienced practitioners, seniors, children, and even pregnant women demonstrated impressive poses.
Sakthi School founder SK Durai then led the large-scale session with an 18-minute practice for inner well-being called Sakthi Kriya.
The sequence included five asanas or poses – such as the cobra pose, cat stretch, and spinal twists – followed by three kriyas, aimed at purifying the mind, body and energy system. Watching thousands in the hall move in perfect unison was a spectacular sight.
The session concluded with a collective breathing technique, as the entire hall echoed with the sound of 'Aum'.
Many practitioners, including children, took to the stage to showcase their poses. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic)
Another highlight was a 'Ramayana' performance by students of the school, who brought the Hindu epic to life through a series of expressive yoga poses.
'The goal of yoga is the realisation of one's own potential, of which if every human being becomes aware, the world will see more peace, love and joy,' Durai told FMT Lifestyle.
'This was the major inspiration for organising an event on such a scale.'
He also noted that efforts were made to ensure inclusivity, without intruding on anyone's personal beliefs, religion or cultural identity.
Indeed, many Chinese and Malay individuals were seen taking part in the gathering. 'We are truly honoured and blessed,' Durai added.
The event was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest yoga gathering in the country. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic)
To date, over 650 teachers have completed their training at the Sakthi School of Yoga, which was founded in 2016 and has branches in Malaysia and India.
Its charitable arm, Sakthi Foundation, continues to serve the local community through free tuition for B40 students, food distribution to the homeless, and yoga programmes in children's homes.
'There is no practice more important than yoga, and there is nothing more important in yoga than practice,' Durai said. 'There is no age to do yoga, and no ageing if you do yoga.
'My advice would be to embark on this journey no matter your circumstances or physical condition, as it will surely transform your life.'
For more information, visit the Sakthi School of Yoga website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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