Mysuru: Hundreds of Yoga enthusiasts from all ages took part in the Mass 108 Surya Namaskara, organised by Mysore Yoga Okkuta as part of its 17th anniversary and Ratha Sapthami, at the Palace premises early this morning.

The event was organised in association with SPYSS, GSS Yogic Foundation, Baba Ramdev Patanjali Yoga Samiti and several yoga institutions of the city.

Speaking after inaugurating the event, Promada Devi Wadiyar said that yoga was a mantra to stay fit both physically and mentally.

Pointing out that Surya Namaskaras are a good way to keep the body in shape and the mind calm and healthy, she said that yoga is a key element in building a healthy society.

She further said that it was good to see more number of people practising yoga.

Referring to the Swachhata Abhiyan in the Palace premises, Pramoda Devi said that the Abhiyan was a huge success with people from all walks of life joining it. Now the mass Surya Namaskara event held in the Palace will give further boost to yoga practise among the people.

Vijayanagar Yoganarsimha-swamay Temple Founder Prof. Bhashyam Swamiji, who presided, said that Surya Namaskara or Sun Salutation is best done early morning with an empty stomach.

Pointing out that Surya Namaskara is a Yoga warm-up routine based on a sequence of gracefully linked asanas, he said that Surya Namaskara also provides an opportunity to express gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life on this planet.

He further said, practising Surya Namaskara regularly was very much useful for one to stay fit, happy and peace throughout the day. Dr. T.C. Poornima, Assistant Director, Directorate of Field Publicity, Mysuru, in her speech, complimented the organisers for holding such an yoga event. Recalling the Swachhata Abhiyan in Mysuru, she said that maintaining cleanliness and hygiene was equally important and it was cheerful to note that people from all walks of life, cutting across professions and age, have joined hands in the efforts to make Swachhata Abhiyan a grand success in the city.

Mysore Yoga Okkuta President S.V. Venkateshaiah, Working President Dr.  A.S. Chandrasekhar, Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya, GSS Foundation’s Srihari, N.S. Satyanarayan of SPYSS, Shashikumar of Bharath Swabhimana Trust, Yoga Bharath Founder Bharath Shetty, Urs Kars Services MD Kantharaj Urs, SVEI President M.K. Potharaj and others were present.