Bhubaneswar, Jun 21 (IANS): Thousands of people from all walks of life participated in International Yoga Day celebrations across Odisha on Tuesday.

A large number of people, including school children, celebrities and politicians joined in the yoga exercises at Kalinga stadium here.

They performed yoga and other exercises under the supervision of yoga gurus and teachers from local institutions.

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan joined a yoga session in Bhubaneswar while Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram participated in an event at Rajgangpur in Sundargarh district.

"More than 190 countries are observing International Yoga Day today. Yoga, an ancient knowledge of India, has been recognised as the best technique for a healthy body and mind," said Pradhan.

Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a 'Surya Namaskar' sand sculpture on the occasion with the message "Yoga for peace and harmony" at Puri beach.

Sand artist Manas Sahoo also created a sand art to mark the International Yoga Day.