Over 1,000 people participate in International Yoga Day celebrations at Old Goa
Old Goa: More than 1,000 participants from different parts of Goa gathered at the historic Se Cathedral Church Complex Garden, Old Goa, on Sunday morning to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga.
The programme commenced at 6:00 a.m. and witnessed enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups, including students, senior citizens, yoga practitioners, social workers and local residents.
Present on the occasion were Chairman of the Goa Rehabilitation Board and Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai, Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Goa Circle, Anil Kumar Tiwari, BJP Cumbarjua Mandal President Yogesh Pilgaonkar, Mandal Prabhari Gorakh Mandrekar, BJP Cumbarjua Mahila Morcha President Yashyashree More, BJYM Cumbarjua President Prasad Pednekar, Sarpanch Carambolim Kusta Salelkar, Sarpanch St Estevam Smita Sawant, Sarpanch Cumbarjua Vinda Joshi, Sarpanch Sao Matias Marina Vaz, Sarpanch Goltim Navelim Mario Pinto, Sarpanch Old Goa Medha Parvatkar, along with panch members, party functionaries, government officials and other invited guests.
Addressing the gathering, Faldessai expressed happiness over the overwhelming response to the event and said that the large turnout reflects the growing awareness among people about the importance of health and wellness through yoga.
“Looking at this massive turnout here today for the Yoga Day celebrations, I feel elated. Nearly 1,000 people have gathered here today. Our Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant had given a clarion call to create a record participation across Goa with nearly three lakh people joining Yoga Day celebrations at various locations. I thank the Chief Minister and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane for their support towards this initiative,” he said.
He also thanked the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the authorities of Old Goa and the priest-in-charge of the Se Cathedral complex for extending their support and cooperation in making the event possible.
“Our team has been working continuously for the last five days to ensure the successful organisation of this programme. I sincerely thank every volunteer, official and participant who contributed to making this event a grand success,” Faldessai added.
Speaking on the significance of yoga, Faldessai said that yoga has become a global movement since Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea at the United Nations, resulting in the observance of International Yoga Day in nearly 190 countries.
He stressed that yoga plays an important role in maintaining physical and mental well-being.
“Yoga is highly beneficial for our health. Many ailments can be prevented and managed through regular practice. Everyone should devote at least 20 to 30 minutes every day to yoga. It helps reduce stress, keeps the mind fresh and promotes a healthy lifestyle. I personally practise yoga regularly and experience its benefits,” he said.
The event concluded with a collective yoga session led by trained instructors, encouraging participants to adopt yoga as a daily practice for better health, inner peace and overall well-being.
The celebration at the heritage site of Old Goa served as a strong message promoting wellness, harmony and healthy living through the practice of yoga.
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