Ramdev guides through massive yoga event in Ahmedabad

Thousands of people performed yoga at the sprawling Gujarat University grounds here early on Wednesday despite light showers in what was claimed to be the world's biggest congregation exercising together.

Led by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, BJP President Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and former Chief Minister Anandiben Patel did the 'asanas' right from 5 a.m.

In his speech, Baba Ramdev said as many as three lakh people performed yoga on Wednesday and this was the biggest such event he had ever witnessed.

He praised the portly Amit Shah, saying that while the BJP chief had gained "political weight, he had worked real hard to reduce his weight. He has aamla and aloe vera juice every morning and does not eat anything after 7 p.m. He performs yoga every day".

"Both Narendrabhai (Modi) and Amitbhai perform yoga every day without fail and everybody should follow them."

The event was initially disrupted by rains and people hurriedly put their yoga mats over their heads. But despite the drizzle the exercises continued uninterrupted, with Ramdev guiding the crowd from the stage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at a yoga event in Lucknow was broadcast live at the Ahmedabad event.