Goa Not 'Bhog Bhoomi', But 'Yog Bhoomi': CM Sawant Says Tourists Visiting State For Temples

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that while the tourists earlier visited the coastal state for “sun, sand and sea”, they are now visiting for beautiful temples.

File photo of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

Source : X/Pramod Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said the coastal state has become more of a "yog Bhoomi" (land of Yoga) than "bhog Bhoomi" (land of pleasure), adding that the culture and ancient temples have become a major draw for tourists.

The Goa CM said that while the tourists earlier visited the coastal state for “sun, sand and sea”, they are now visiting for beautiful temples.

"In the past, people visited Goa to witness sun, sand, and sea. That has changed now. Tourists are arriving here to experience our rich culture and grand temples," Pramod Sawant said at the ‘Shankhnad Mahotsav’ organised by Sanatan Sanstha at Ponda.

"Earlier, whenever people used to come to Goa, they used to think that this is bhog bhoomi (land of pleasure). But, this is not bhog bhoomi, it is yog bhoomi (land of devotion and yoga) instead. This is go-mata bhoomi...Over here, there is the ashram of Sanatan Sanstha as well," he said.

He said Goa has the cleanest and most beautiful temples, which have become an attraction for visitors.

"The government has no involvement in the management of the temples in the state," the CM said.

Sawant said the temples in Goa are not under government control and instead are managed by the local communities that have maintained age-old traditions.

He praised the Sanstha, headquartered in Ramnathi village in North Goa, for "making people spiritually conscious" and promoting Sanatan Dharma through various platforms. People have started coming to Goa for spiritual experiences, he added.