Puri: Cultural events like puppet show, devotional song programme, Odissi dance and painting show enthralled the devotees at the Lions’ Gate of Srimandir here Sunday.
Braving rain, hundreds of devotees and locals enjoyed the cultural events organised by the district administration to boost the spiritual environment near the 12th century shrine. The cultural show began in the early morning with ceremonial Sankirtana around Srimandir. Members of Nadia Sankirtan Mandali and Radhakrushna Sankirtan Mandali participated in the religious procession around the shrine
A puppet show by puppeteer Manguli Murudi and group from Sakhigopal was the main attraction of the cultural extravaganza. Murudi and other four members of his group were pulling the strings of the puppets to the tune of music at the event.
On the other hand, Shreyanshi Baliar Singh, a small girl from the city, entertained the audience with her skating skills on the Grand Road. Abhilipsha Ghatuari, another small girl, performed Medha dance at the event.
A group of women including Saraswati Dora, Rupali Nayak and Monalisa Pradhan created colourful Rangolis on the Grand Road to enhance the beauty of the cultural events.
Members of Bharat Yoga Kendra and Jagannath Vedanta Yoga Group performed yoga at the event. Similarly, artistes of Nrusingha Dance Academy performed Odissi and other classical dances to attract the devotees.