Makar Sankranti is a well-known Hindu festival celebrated in January. On this day, the sun transitions into the Capricorn. Hence, the sun transits into Makara Rashi according to the Hindu calendar.
The festival is specifically a homage to the sun god, and many Indian states celebrate the same festival with different names.
- Makar Sankranti in India to encourage the Global Surya Namaskar event. Â
- Global Surya Namaskar event in India to tame the resurgence of Covid-19.Â
Makar Sankranti prepares Indians for Global Surya Namaskar event
The Indian Government is all set to incorporate a crore of people in a worldwide demonstration of Surya Namaskar on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on January 14.
Under the aegis of Union Minister for AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal who made the declaration at a virtual meet on Wednesday. He expressed that the ministry is hopeful to see this widespread participation in performing Surya Namaskar.
He said,
“It is a proven fact that Surya Namaskar builds up vitality and immunity and therefore can keep corona at bay.
We have set a target of 75 lakh people participating in the program, but seeing registration and our preparedness, I am hopeful for crossing the limit of one crore.”
Dr Munjapara Mahendra Bhai, Minister of State for AYUSH, believes that Surya Namaskar will rejuvenate the mind and the body.
He said, “Yoga effects on molecular genetics are in the study.”
What is Surya Namaskar? It’s ImportanceÂ
It is a practice in Yoga that includes a flow sequence of some twelve gracefully linked asanas. In the early 20th century, the asana sequence came into recognition even though similar exercises were popular in India, especially among wrestlers.
It involves moving from a standing position into downward and upward dog poses and then back to the upright position with many variations. These twelve asanas show respect to the Hindu Solar deity ‘Surya’ or Sun-God.
It helps coordinate body and mind and comes to practice preferably early in the morning. In the early 20th century, it was made famous by Bhawanrao Shriniwas Rao Pant Pratinidhi, the Rajah of Aundh and adopted into Yoga by Krishnamacharya in the Mysore Palace.
The founder of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, K. Pattabhi Jois, stated:
“There is no Ashtanga Yoga without Surya Namaskar, which is the ultimate salutation to the Sun God.” Â
Surya Namaskar and the resurgence of Covid-19Â
According to the AYUSH ministry, the program is relevant to the current resurgence of Covid-19. In his virtual meet, Sarbananda Sonowal also said that the Surya Namaskar demonstration is more appropriate due to the recent upheaval created by the Covid-19.
The program collaborates with the Indian Yoga Association, National Yoga Sports Federation, Yoga Certification Board, FTI India and many Government and non-government organizations. Â
The ministry also expects celebrities and sports personalities to promote the Surya Namaskar through video messages. The million-fan base will come under the influence of this yoga practice and its significance in this way.
The Sports Authority of India will also participate in the program. Another way of creating this yoga uproar is by the ministry’s effort in informing that the participants and yoga enthusiasts can register themselves on respective portals.
They will have to upload videos of themselves performing Surya Namaskar on January 14. The ministry aims to promote the importance of Yoga and well-being and carry out the message of the immediate threat of climate change and global warming. Â
The ministry’s statement further stressed the burning issue of global warming and that solar energy is likely to reduce carbon emissions.
This event will also highlight the country’s cultural richness and spiritual heritage in the new era of Atmanirbhar Bharat, a concept introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India a self-reliant nation. Â
