SNY 2026: HSS Announces 19th Annual “Health for Humanity” Yogathon
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) announces the nineteenth annual “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon” or “Surya Namaskar Yajna” (SNY). This program runs from January 14th to February 1st, 2026. Participants across all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths are invited to participate in the Yogathon to kickstart the New Year with health awareness and practice.
Surya Namaskar is a yogic practice done in reverence to the sun. Research shows several physiological and psychological benefits from Surya Namaskar when practiced regularly. They are performed as a series of 10 physical postures, flowing in a graceful, continuous sequence. The Surya Namaskar Yajna seeks to promote the practice and its benefits among all Americans aspiring for a fit body and balanced mind.
Since its inception in 2007, participants from 43 states have actively participated in the Yogathon through Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges, and also as individuals. Regardless of their faith and belief, these participants have performed over four million Surya Namaskars over the past several years. This is a testament to the success of the Yogathon in achieving diversity and inclusion in communities nationwide while promoting public health and well-being equitably.
Acknowledging this, community leaders and elected officials across the nation also appreciate this initiative and encourage their residents to participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon and benefit from a healthy lifestyle. The Yogathon has received numerous proclamations from American mayors, governors, US Congressmen, and US Senators. It also found recognition in the Congressional records in 2017. The “Let’s Move” initiative of then First Lady Michelle Obama declared HSS as a partner in 2012 in cognizance of the Yogathon.
About Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS):
HSS is a 501(c)(3) voluntary non-profit cultural organization with over 233 chapters across the United States. HSS organizes service activities and community outreach projects to promote discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and the spirit of selflessness. HSS also fosters a dynamic and flourishing Hindu-American community through civic duty, responsibility, and volunteerism, instilling lasting pride in Hindu heritage among its members. Learn more at www.HSSUS.org.
Surya Namaskar Tutorial
Surya Namaskar Steps
 Surya Namaskar-Position : From Aarama, come to Surya Namaskar-Position (starting posture) in 3 counts: Ek-Do-Teen. These are the actions to be performed in three counts. 2. Join the toes. 3. Join your hands to form Namaste position. Palms should be pressing against each other and the thumb joint should be at sternum (Solar Plexes). |
 Step One: As you breathe in… Slowly raise your hands with biceps touching the ears and hands in namaste posture. Slowly bend backwards from your waist. Do not bend the knees. Look towards your palm. |
 Step Two: While breathing out… Slowly bend forward from the waist. Try to touch your palm to the floor on either side of your legs. Do not bend the knees. Nose should touch the knees. People with back problems should not bend too much. Bend only as much it is comfortable. |
 Step Three: As you breathe in… [Note: The description is for odd-numbered namaskars (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) For even-numbered ones (2nd, 4th,..) interchange left and right leg]. Take your left foot back. The left knee should touch the floor. Two palms should be completely on the ground and the right foot should be in between the two hands. Fingers should be pointing to the front. Lean forward on the right knee, so that calf and thigh muscles press against each other chest rests on the thigh. Look up and make a concave on your back. |
 Step Four : While breathing out… Take right foot back and join with left foot. Arms should be straight. Most of the weight will be on the arms. The body should be in one plane like a slide. Look 5 feet in front of you on the floor. |
 Step Five : Bend your arms and touch your feet, knees, chest and forehead to the ground. Do not touch abdomen or nose (you don’t want to breathe in the dust!) |
 Step Six: As you breathe in… Come forward and bend back as much as you can. Abdomen should come between your hands. Look back from the top. Two legs should be joined. |
 Step Seven : While breathing out… Form a mountain like posture. Push your chin towards the chest. Heels should touch the floor. |
 Step Eight : As you breathe in..[Note: The description is for odd numbered namaskars (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.). For even numbered ones (2nd, 4th,..) replace left leg with right leg] bring your left foot forward all the way between the hands. Exactly like step three. |
 Step Nine : While breathing out…Bring the right foot forward and stand up as in Do. |
Step Ten : Back to Surya Namaskar Sthiti. |