The first-ever yoga running marathon in Uthangarai – a landmark event that brought together 1,500 participants from local schools, colleges, and the wider community.
For many of the young participants, this was their first encounter with yoga as something living and energetic – not a classroom subject but a real experience. The event created a rare opportunity for youth in a region where large public events are uncommon, to step forward, show their strength, and discover something new about themselves.
On the same day, the afternoon brought a yoga competition – giving participants a stage to demonstrate their practice, their discipline, and their dedication. For students who rarely have a platform to show their talents publicly, this was a moment of genuine recognition.
Building on the momentum of Uthangarai, the Tiruvannamalai yoga marathon drew 2,000 participants – runners, students, teachers, and community members – gathering at the foot of Arunachala, one of the most sacred sites in South India.
What began as a vision to bring yoga into public life was now clearly becoming a movement.
A celebration of yoga in all its dimensions – practice,knowledge, music, community, and culture.
Details and registration coming soon.
We are working toward a Guinness World Record for Toppu Karanam – the ancient Indian yogic practice known for its profound effect on brain function, focus, and mental clarity. This attempt will bring together participants from across India in a single, unified practice – and put this forgotten gem of yogic science on the world map.
More details coming soon.
In the yogic tradition, seva – selfless service – is not separate from the path. It is the path.
Karma yoga teaches us that when we act without attachment to reward, when we offer our hands and energy in service of something greater than ourselves, that action becomes a form of practice – as powerful as any asana or meditation.
Arunachala is one of the most sacred mountains in the world. Pilgrims and seekers from every corner of the globe come here seeking silence, healing, and inner transformation. Yet its eastern slope – the ancient pathway leading to Virupaksha Cave – has been overtaken by plastic waste and garbage, disrespected by neglect.
We could not stay silent. And neither could hundreds of others.
After we shared what we witnessed, over 240 volunteers joined within hours – not because they were asked to do a task, but because they felt the call to serve. That response is itself proof of what yoga does to a person. It opens the heart. It moves the hands.
BYC is organizing a community cleaning initiative on the eastern slope of Arunachala – beginning with one dedicated day of seva and continuing monthly. Every piece of garbage removed is an offering. Every volunteer who shows up is a karma yogi.
Come and practice with us – not on a mat, but on sacred ground.
