Yoga, an ancient practice born in India, has transcended borders to become a global phenomenon, captivating millions with its holistic approach to well-being. This universal appeal is not only evident in the surging number of practitioners worldwide but also in an astounding array of Guinness World Records that showcase the strength, endurance, mass participation, diversity, and sheer creativity embedded in modern yoga practice.
From awe-inspiring individual feats to monumental gatherings, these records highlight how yoga inspires people to push their physical and mental limits. Here’s a compilation of some of the most impressive yoga-related Guinness World Records to date:
Largest Yoga Lesson (147,952 participants): On June 21, 2023, Surat, Gujarat, India, cemented its place in history by hosting the largest yoga lesson ever. Over 1.5 lakh people gathered across 10.5 km of roads, practicing simultaneously in a truly breathtaking display of unity and dedication. This colossal event shattered the previous record of 100,984 participants set in Kota, Rajasthan, in 2018.
Most Nationalities in a Yoga Lesson (144 nationalities): Demonstrating yoga’s universal appeal, Emirates Group in Dubai, UAE, organized a yoga class for its employees from 144 different nationalities on January 23, 2024.
Largest Rhythmic Yoga Class (284 people): Hefei, Anhui, China, saw 284 individuals synchronize their movements in a rhythmic yoga class, highlighting coordination and group energy.
Longest Yoga Marathon (Male – 138 hours 14 minutes): Jagadeesan Settu (India) displayed incredible fortitude, practicing non-stop yoga for nearly six days in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, from November 10-16, 2017.
Longest Yoga Marathon (Female – 162 hours 31 minutes 40 seconds): K.P. Ranchana (India) set the female record for continuous yoga in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, from November 9-16, 2017.
Longest Time Holding Tree Pose (7 hours 53 minutes 25 seconds): Yash Moradiya (India) showcased extreme balance and focus by holding the Vrksasana (Tree Pose) for nearly eight hours in Dubai, UAE, on October 24, 2022.
Longest duration holding standing position while floating in water (1 hour 42 minutes): Pankaj Jain (India) demonstrated incredible balance and breath control on April 18, 2024.
Longest Time Walking in Kneeling Yoga Pose (1 hour 20 minutes 5 seconds): Pradeep Kumar (India) showcased extraordinary strength and flexibility in April 2024.
Most Consecutive Yoga Positions Underwater (21 poses): Kamal Kaloi from India held his breath for almost four minutes to perform 21 continuous yoga positions underwater in Nam Dinh City, Vietnam, on July 3, 2020.
Lifting 125 kg with Teeth (35.57 seconds): Meerut’s Vikas Swami, a yoga practitioner, achieved this remarkable feat with the assistance of his two sons in Milan, Italy, on February 14, 2025, showcasing immense strength derived from his yoga practice.
Largest Yoga Class with Animals (Goat Yoga – 501 people): The Grady Goat Foundation in Thonotosassa, Florida, USA, hosted a massive goat yoga class, blending animal therapy with yoga.
Most Flexible Handicapped Yoga Champion: Tejasvi Kumar Sharma (India), 69% physically disabled, has performed some of the hardest asanas with ease, winning multiple national and international championships.
These records serve as powerful examples of yoga’s adaptability and its capacity to inspire both individual excellence and collective harmony. As International Yoga Day approaches each year, new attempts are often made, ensuring that the legacy of yoga continues to be celebrated and pushed to new, incredible heights.
