On 10 July 2004, youngsters
and elders ranging in age from 10 to 65 participated in
a 24-hour Akhand Dandvat Marathon – performing prostrations
continuously over a 24-hour period.
All the participants began at 8.00 a.m. on Saturday 10 July.
They had to perform dandvats for at least 30 minutes in
every hour. A bell was rung every 30 minutes to indicate
the end of each session.
The participants, inspired by their will to earn the blessings
of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, surprised
themselves with their stamina and ability to put in the
physical effort required to complete this undertaking.
Some youths had even come from Durban and from Gabarone
in Botswana to participate.
Others, unable to participate, helped by serving meals,
snacks and drinks to participants and by providing encouragement
at crucial times.
Two youths performed dandvats continuously over the 24-hour
period. At a rough estimate, a total of over 72,500 dandvats
were performed by the participants.