Panaji, Jun 21 (IANS): While celebrating World Yoga Day on Tuesday, yoga performances were conducted across Goa with Union Ministers participating in central government's programme and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other cabinet ministers engaging in state level events.

Union minister of state for tourism Shripad Naik presided over the programme held at Se Cathedral, Old Goa, and Union minister for state for food processing industries and Jal Shakti Prahlad Singh Patel was present as chief guest at Fort Aguada venue.

Chief Minister Sawant performed Yoga at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee indoor Stadium in North Goa.

Apart from Taluka wise programmes organised by state government, BJP also held the programmes at several places. Students took part in programs held in various schools of the state.

Speaking on the occasion Shripad Naik pointed out that Yoga is a gift to the world, which can help to improve health. "One can live a happy and healthy life if Yoga is practiced. Knowing the importance of Yoga, now many from India and the world have started following it," he said.

"Yoga practice is not limited only to this day, but people have started to practice it throughout the year. It helps to maintain our health if practiced at least one hour every day," Naik said.

He said that demand from across the world is increasing for Yoga trainers and many are coming to India to learn it.

Prahlad Singh Patel said that Yoga is being accepted across the world and during Covid pandemic people got to know the importance of its practice. "People are finding peace while practicing Yoga," he said.

Chief Minister Sawant said that everyone should practice Yoga for good health. "Students have also participated in today's Yoga day programme. These programmes have taken place at taluka level and at many places in Goa," he said, adding that Yoga will help promote tourism in Goa.