Puri, July 3: A group of devotees from Dhenkanal district of the state won hearts during the return sojourn of the Trinity today. The 25 devotees, comprising youngsters and senior citizens both, took on a voyage to the holy town with special gifts for the Lord and His siblings.

They brought with them two huge garlands - one made out of 108 lotus flowers and the other made of tulsi leaves measuring 21 feet. Their unique gesture caught the attention of not only devotees, but also sevayats and police personnel.

"It is a matter of pride for us that so many devotees from various parts of the state and the country are approaching the Holy Trinity with such gifts. The Lords accept everything, but expect nothing. It is the love and attraction of the Lords that drives energy in the universe in this manner," said Satya Narayan Suar, a servitor here.

The religious spirit of the devotees reached its peak when the garlands and the tulsi leaves were offered to Lord Jagannath. "It was indeed an emotional moment for us. We made this garland with devotion and love for the Lord. He is the creator and what else can make us more happy when something made by us is accepted by the Lord," said Sarat Chandra Parida, 28, a devotee in the group.

The group, led by one Balawanta Swain, 52, under the umbrella of a trust called Bhakta Kabi Dina Krishna Das of Ek Gharia at Odapada, started their journey last night from Dhenkanal and reached here this morning with their offerings. This is the first time that they have brought such an offering for Lord Jagannath.

"We have sent tulsi leaves to the Jagannath temple administration every month since the past year as offering. We requested the temple administration this time to allow us to make such an offering for the Lord during Bahuda. They accepted our request and allowed us to offer the garland and the tulsi leaves to the Lord. We are grateful to them," said Swain."We find sheer peace in serving the Lord of the universe. Nothing can energise us more than the blessing of the Lords. We are the most fortunate persons in this world to have come so close to the Lord with our offerings," said the leader with tears in his eyes.