A remarkable journey of passion, perseverance and purpose – spreading laughter, happiness and the message of a Depression-Free World.
In a world where stress, anxiety and negativity have become part of everyday life, one man decided to spread a different message: Keep Laughing, Keep Smiling and Keep Spreading Happiness.
His name is Dr. Harish Rawat, popularly known as Harry Funtoosh, an International Laughter Wellness & Spiritual Coach, Guinness World Record Holder and Founder of Lot of Laughter Yoga Foundation, India.
On 30 June and 1 July 2018, Dr. Harish Rawat led an extraordinary Laughter Yoga Marathon that achieved an official Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Laughter Therapy/Class, lasting 36 hours and 2 minutes.
But this achievement was much more than a world record. It represented a mission to bring happiness into people’s lives and inspire a world where laughter becomes a part of everyday wellness.
The Guinness World Record: 36 Hours and 2 Minutes of Laughter
The historic achievement took place in Uttar Pradesh, India, from 30 June to 1 July 2018.
Under the leadership of Dr. Harish Rawat, a team of eight participants successfully completed the longest marathon laughter therapy/class, lasting an incredible:
36 HOURS, 2 MINUTES
The marathon began at 9:35 AM on 30 June 2018 and concluded at 9:37 PM on 1 July 2018.
The event involved nine modules of laughter exercises, designed to encourage participants to experience the power of laughter, breathing and positive group interaction.
The achievement was officially recognised by Guinness World Records under the title:
Longest Marathon Laughter Therapy / Class
This record established Dr. Harish Rawat’s name on the international record platform and became a defining milestone in his journey of promoting laughter wellness.
Official Guinness World Records verification:
https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/95825-longest-marathon-laughter-therapy-class
What Inspired Dr. Harish Rawat to Promote Laughter Wellness?
Behind every extraordinary achievement, there is a story of inspiration.
Dr. Harish Rawat’s journey towards laughter wellness began with a simple observation: people were becoming increasingly busy with professional responsibilities, personal pressures and daily challenges, while happiness and emotional well-being were often neglected.
His experiences with young people and working professionals made him realise that wellness programmes needed to become more engaging, enjoyable and accessible.
He believed that laughter could bring people together, encourage positive interactions and offer a refreshing way to address everyday stress.
His journey in yoga and wellness began in 2006, with initiatives in slums, schools, colleges and communities.
In 2015, he established Lot of Laughter Yoga Foundation (LOL Yoga Foundation) with a larger vision of spreading happiness through laughter-based wellness initiatives.
The Guinness World Record in 2018 became a powerful symbol of that mission.
Beyond Guinness: A Mission to Create a Depression-Free World
For Dr. Harish Rawat, the world record was never just about numbers or certificates.
His larger vision is:
“Depression-Free World and World Peace through Laughter and Wellness.”
Through LOL Yoga Foundation, he has worked to bring laughter and wellness activities to different sections of society, including:
- Corporate employees and working professionals.
- School and college students.
- Senior citizens and old-age homes.
- NGOs and underprivileged communities.
- Hospitals and healthcare environments.
- Police personnel and defence communities.
- Individuals seeking relaxation, happiness and personal growth.
His initiatives include Laughter Yoga, Laughter Therapy, Sound Healing, Guided Meditation, Breathing Practices and Spiritual Wellness.
According to his professional profile, his initiatives have reached more than 85,000 lives.
His philosophy is that happiness should not be limited to special occasions. It should become a daily practice.
What Is Laughter Yoga and Why Does It Matter?
Laughter Yoga is a wellness practice that combines voluntary laughter exercises with breathing techniques.
Unlike conventional humour-based laughter, Laughter Yoga does not always require jokes, comedy or funny situations.
Participants practise different laughter exercises, often in a group, allowing laughter and playful interaction to develop naturally.
Some commonly practised exercises include:
- Greeting Laughter
- Silent Laughter
- Lion Laughter
- Cell Phone Laughter
- Appreciation Laughter
- Group Laughter Exercises
- Deep Breathing and Relaxation
Laughter Yoga can be used as a complementary wellness activity to encourage positive social interaction, relaxation and stress management.
Dr. Harish Rawat believes that a few minutes of conscious laughter can become a meaningful step towards developing a happier lifestyle.
It is not a replacement for professional medical or psychological treatment, but it can be a useful addition to a broader wellness routine.
From a World Record to International Laughter Wellness Initiatives
The Guinness World Record was an important milestone, but Dr. Harish Rawat continued his journey beyond the achievement.
Through LOL Yoga Foundation, he has expanded his work into corporate wellness, international teacher training, social outreach and spiritual wellness programmes.
His work has included engagements with organisations and communities such as:
- Indian Army and defence communities.
- Delhi Police, Haryana Police and Noida Police.
- Corporate organisations including HDFC, V-Mart, Yubi and Publicis Sapient.
- Educational institutions and NGOs.
- Hospitals and senior citizen communities.
His work has also received media attention, including an appearance on CNN International’s Quest’s World of Wonder with Richard Quest, alongside coverage in other Indian and international media.
His journey demonstrates how an individual passion can grow into a larger social wellness mission.
Dr. Harish Rawat and the Limca Book of Records
Along with his Guinness World Record achievement, Dr. Harish Rawat has also received recognition in the Limca Book of Records.
These recognitions represent important milestones in his journey of promoting laughter and wellness in India.
For him, however, the greatest reward is seeing people smile, connect with one another and experience moments of happiness.
The Spiritual Connection: Laughter Connects You to the Divine
Dr. Harish Rawat’s philosophy extends beyond physical laughter.
As an International Laughter Wellness & Spiritual Coach, he promotes the connection between laughter, meditation, positive thinking and inner peace.
His signature message expresses this philosophy beautifully:
“Laughter Connects You to the Divine — हास्य आपको परमात्मा से जोड़ता है।”
He believes that laughter can become a pathway towards gratitude, compassion, self-awareness and spiritual connection.
By combining laughter exercises with breathing, sound healing and guided meditation, he encourages individuals to explore happiness not just as an emotion but as a way of living.
The Man Behind the Mission: Dr. Harish Rawat (Harry Funtoosh)
Today, Dr. Harish Rawat is known for his work as an International Laughter Wellness & Spiritual Coach, Laughter Yoga expert, wellness educator and social entrepreneur.
He is the Founder of Lot of Laughter Yoga Foundation, India, established in 2015.
His professional achievements include:
- Guinness World Record – Longest Marathon Laughter Therapy/Class (36 hours and 2 minutes), 2018.
- Limca Book of Records recognition.
- International Laughter Wellness and Spiritual Coaching.
- Founder of LOL Yoga Foundation.
- Author of books on Laughter Therapy, stress management and positive well-being.
- More than 85,000 lives reached through wellness initiatives, according to his professional profile.
Popularly known as Harry Funtoosh, he continues to inspire people to make laughter, happiness and wellness a part of everyday life.
A Message from Dr. Harish Rawat: Keep Laughing, Keep Living!
“Life is too precious to spend every moment worrying.
We cannot always control the situations around us, but we can learn to create moments of happiness through laughter, gratitude, kindness and positive thinking.
My Guinness World Record journey taught me that when passion is connected with a meaningful purpose, extraordinary things become possible.
I invite everyone to take a few minutes every day to laugh, smile, breathe deeply and spread happiness.
Let us work together towards a Depression-Free World and World Peace.
Because one smile can inspire another, and one moment of laughter can connect hearts.”
— Dr. Harish Rawat
International Laughter Wellness & Spiritual Coach
Guinness & Limca World Record Holder
Founder – Lot of Laughter Yoga Foundation, India
Join the Global Happiness Movement with LOL Yoga Foundation
The journey of laughter does not end with a world record. It continues every day, with every smile, every laughter session and every individual who chooses happiness.
Through LOL Yoga Foundation, Dr. Harish Rawat aims to make laughter wellness accessible to individuals, organisations, schools and communities.
Whether you are a corporate HR professional looking for an engaging employee wellness programme, an individual interested in Laughter Yoga, or someone who wants to become a certified Laughter Wellness Teacher, LOL Yoga Foundation offers opportunities to explore the power of laughter and holistic wellness.
Be a part of the happiness movement.
Visit: https://lolyogafoundation.com/
For Laughter Yoga, Corporate Wellness, Teacher Training and Personal Wellness Sessions:
Dr. Harish Rawat – Harry Funtoosh
International Laughter Wellness & Spiritual Coach
Founder – LOL Yoga Foundation, India
Website: https://lolyogafoundation.com/
Email: lolyogafoundation@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +91 9250001355
Final Thought
36 Hours and 2 Minutes – A World Record. A Lifetime Mission. Millions of Smiles to Inspire.
The story of Dr. Harish Rawat reminds us that laughter is not merely an expression of happiness; it can also become a way to connect people, encourage wellness and spread positivity.
Keep Laughing. Keep Smiling. Keep Spreading Happiness.
