International Yoga Day was enthusiastically observed across Odisha today, with Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram participating in programmes at Bhubaneswar and Sundargarh respectively.
In the state capital, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended a yoga camp at Janata Maidan where a large number of people assembled for the session organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangthana (NYKS).
Highlighting the benefits of the exercise, Pradhan said people should get up early in the morning and perform yoga regularly in order to keep themselves physically and mentally fit.
Besides India, International Yoga Day is being observed in a large number of countries as yoga has been recognised as a means to maintain good health, the minister said.
The day was also celebrated at Kalinga Stadium where a large number of people belonging to different sections of society, including school students, leaders and distinguished personalities took part in the yoga session.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram participated in a yoga event at Rajgangpur in Sundargarh district.
The day was also observed in different educational institutions and industrial units across the state.
In the seaside pilgrim town of Puri, internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sand sculpture depicting "Surya Namaskar" on the occasion.
Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) organised a Mass Yoga Camp at the Ispat Stadium.
Coal miners began their day with yoga at 34 Yoga and Vayamshala Kendras set-up by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) across its townships in Odisha to celebrate the Day.
Central University of Orissa at Landguda in Koraput district also observed the yoga day.
