Bhubaneswar, Jun 21 (PTI) People across Odisha on Tuesday celebrated the 8th International Day of Yoga while three Union ministers held special programmes to popularise the ancient Indian physical and mental exercise among the masses.

While Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw led an event held at the Konark Sun Temple, Union Heavy Industries Minister Mahendra Pandey, along with BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, took part in a yoga session held in the Blue Flag Beach of Puri.

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Union Tribal Affairs Minister Bishweswar Tudu took part in another International Day of Yoga event at Khiching in Mayurbhanj district.

Addressing 1200 odd participants in the backdrop of the Konark Sun Temple, Vaishnaw said that regular practice of yoga helps people stay energetic and get a strong immune system.

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On the occasion, renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a seven feet high sand sculpture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi doing yoga at a beach in Puri. The sculpture's theme was based on 'Surya Namaskar' asana.

Under the theme of “Yoga for Humanity”, Indian Army under the aegis of Head Quarter Odisha Sub Area organised yoga events at various locations in the state.

Yoga camps were also held in many educational institutions and organisations.

Meanwhile, Odisha weavers have given an unique message, ‘Yoga is Life', in 10 languages, including Odia, Hindi, English and Urdu, along with 12 poses of Surya Namaskar intricately weaved in a Sambalpuri Bandha saree.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)