By Renee Larr
Carmel residents are encouraged to help Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA reach its goal of one million Surya Namaskars, 10-step yoga postures known as sun salutations, between now and Jan. 29 during the annual Health for Humanity Yogathon.
HSS is a nonprofit that exists to cultivate ancient Hindu heritage and cultural values in the next generation of Hindus in the U.S. and raise awareness to the public.
“We have been doing (Yogathon) almost 10 years across the world. The idea is to have one million counts of the sun salutation in two weeks,” HSS member Manish Srivastava said. “It’s a brief exercise, 10 yoga poses, that can be done in five minutes to help revive body, spirit and mind. If you do it in the morning, it gives you energy for the whole day. The idea is to get people to adopt something good in their lives.”
On Jan. 29, guests are encouraged to attend a group participation of the sun salutation from 9 a.m. to noon at the Wilfong Pavilion at Founders Park, 11675 Hazel Dell Pkwy., Carmel. Beginners and those well-versed in yoga are welcome.
“For three hours, different people will be doing the sun salutation continuously. We’re trying to do as many as we can that day to bump our count,” Srivastava said. “It’s for anyone that doesn’t think yoga is for them or wants to learn how to do it. It’s also for people who practice yoga. We’ll have instructors there to help. Everyone is welcome. We’re trying to give back to society.”
There is no cost to attend. Participants should dress comfortably and bring their own yoga mat.
