Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead the International Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, with the Andhra Pradesh government working intensively to turn the occasion into a historic spectacle.

Touted as one of the largest yoga gatherings globally, the event aims to break several records, including one that may be recognized by the Guinness World Records.

Months of meticulous planning and widespread promotional campaigns have culminated in thousands of yoga-related programs held across the state to build enthusiasm for the big day. The celebration reflects India’s growing influence through yoga, a practice that blends physical fitness, mental calm, and spiritual awareness.

The main session on Saturday will take place between 6 AM and 8 AM, stretching across a 26-kilometre route from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram. Authorities expect around five lakh people to participate in synchronised yoga, with 326 zones accommodating about 1,000 individuals each. More than 3,000 buses will be used to transport attendees to the venue.

Security for the event has been significantly strengthened, especially with the Prime Minister in attendance. Over 10,000 police officers will be stationed across the route, supported by 1,200 CCTV cameras and drone surveillance. A central control room equipped with advanced technology has been established to oversee safety and logistics.

State Push for Yoga Education and Lifestyle

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasized that the goal is not only to shine on the international stage but also to embed yoga into the fabric of everyday life in the state. Plans are underway to introduce yoga into the school curriculum starting from Class 9, and a dedicated university focused on yoga is also being proposed.

Naidu is also advocating for a formal declaration on Yoga Day, encouraging citizens to adopt yoga as a regular lifestyle practice and ensure lasting public involvement in its benefits.

While around five lakh people are expected to join the Visakhapatnam event in person, participation is anticipated from over 8 lakh locations across India and internationally. Registration figures have soared past 2.39 crore, easily surpassing the initial 2 crore target.

One of the key highlights will be a mass yoga display by 25,000 tribal students performing Surya Namaskar continuously for 108 minutes at Andhra University, aimed at setting world records for the largest and most coordinated yoga demonstration.

To support the massive turnout, officials plan to distribute over 3.32 lakh t-shirts and 5 lakh yoga mats. More than 1.3 lakh yoga centers have been identified throughout the state, with emergency arrangements made in Visakhapatnam to accommodate 30,000 extra participants if needed.

As part of the month-long awareness campaign titled ‘Yogandhra’, 15,000 yoga competitions were held at various levels—from villages to the state capital—to energize communities and promote the message of holistic well-being.