On Saturday morning, the Miramar beach in Panjim was a sea of yoga participants led by yoga guru Swami Ramdev Baba, who will conduct a three-day yoga camp.
The response on the first day was more than the organisers had expected. Everyone, from children to senior citizens, yogis, sadhaks attended the camp. Citizens interested in yoga travelled from all the talukas to Panjim.
Looking at more citizens than expected, additional arrangements were made to ensure that the yoga proceedings were conducted smoothly.
"It is nice to see this excitement at the venue. After almost three years of the Corona pandemic, this kind of camp has been organised for the first time, and on an auspicious day like Mahashivratri," Baba Ramdev said.
Tapobhumi Peethadhiswar Shri Brahmeshanand Acharya Swami, Union Minister Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Mayem MLA Premendra Shet were among those present.
TOURISM IMP, HEALTH TOO
Baba Ramdev urged all citizens to embrace yoga and resolve to practice it at least one hour a day for a strong and capable Goa. "Tourists should come to Goa, not only for tourism but also for health. Work for health tourism, Ayurveda tourism and spiritual tourism. It is necessary to reach Ayurveda in every home. It is also necessary to introduce panchakarma and shatkarma in all the hotels of the state," he said and added, "Tourists who come here should go back with knowledge and experience of yoga."
It is nice to see this excitement at the venue. After almost three years of the Corona pandemic, this kind of camp has been organised for the first time, and on an auspicious day like Mahashivratri
Baba Ramdev
PRIORITY FOR RELIGIOUS TOURISM
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said although Goa was famous for tourism, efforts are going to be made to give importance to religious tourism in Goa.
He asserted that the concept of religious tourism will soon be implemented in Goa. Due to Baba Ramdev, yoga culture in Goa will get a boost and efforts are being made at the government level to make the importance of yoga reach everyone, he added.
PATANJALI CENTRE
Brahmeshanand Acharya Swami said he welcomes Baba Ramdev, who has given due honour to Indian culture, Ayurveda and the Rishimuni tradition. We want to bring the same identity of Goa which was existing before the Portuguese rule.
The land of Goa should be a land of yoga, he said and suggested, "A centre of Patanjali should be established in Goa so that the State's true identity comes to the fore."
YOGA EXCITEMENT
Citizens started pouring into Miramar beach from various talukas to experience Baba Ramdev's yoga demonstration. More than 5,000 people participated in the camp. The organizers also expressed satisfaction with the response received in Goa.
12 JYOTIRLINGAS
12 jyotirlingas were made from sand on Miramar beach to mark the auspicious day of Mahashivratri. These 12 Shivlingas were consecrated and worshipped.
Baba Ramdev, Brahmeshanand Acharya Swami, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Shripad Naik, MLA Premendra Shet and other dignitaries worshipped Shivpindi and performed milk and water abhisheks.