Sevaks enact the mythological characters of Garuda and Bakasura (right) during the daily procession at the ongoing Janmashtami celebrations in Puri. Pictures by Sarat Patra

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 26: The holy town of Puri has been transformed into the village of Vrindavan with celebrations of the birth and deeds of Lord Krishna on in full swing since Janmashtami.

The deities in Jagannath temple are getting to don new clothes every day. The festival was observed with fervour in the temple on Monday, following which the chronicles of Lord Krishna and Balaram are being enacted every day in the town.

While the tale of Bakasura badha was performed by a group of sevayats on Wednesday, it was the legend of Kalia dalana that came alive on Thursday as a part of special rituals following Janmashtami.

“Every day after Janmashtami, Lord Jagannath and his siblings are dressed in special clothes or besa. On the first day of this series of celebrations that began on Wednesday, the deities were dressed up in Bana bhoji besa in which limbs were attached to the idols and they carried silver bowls, curd, butter and a stick just like cow herders,” said Surya Narayan Rathsharma, an expert on Jagannath temple rituals.

It was the Kalia Dalana besa for the deities on Thursday and Pralambasura badha besa was Friday dressing. In the evenings, special sevaks enact characters from tales of Lord Krishna’s childhood.

“My forefathers and even my father used to enact Garuda every year. This is the first time I played the mythological hero who helps Lord Krishna in defeating the snake god Kalia. It was a great spiritual experience for me,” said Prashanta Kumar Mohapatra, who took part in the special rituals as Garuda on Thursday.

On Saturday, the deities will be adorned in the rushna Balaran besa and sevaks and devotees will perform another episode of from mythology.

“The festivities go on for 17 days from Janmasthami and will end with the enactment of Kansa badha, which will portray the death of the tyrant Kansa. Just like Rama lila, Krishna lila is held in different areas of the city,” said Rathsharma.

Thousands of devotees are visiting the temple on the occasion.

“Watching Lord Krishna’s legends come alive in and around the temple feels thrilling. Moreover, the deities are beautifully dressed up everyday and I’m glad I got a chance to get a glimpse,” said Manorama Das, a devotee.