(Top) A play on tantric rituals being staged by delegates at the Friendship Festival in Puri. (Above) Foreign delegates dressed in traditional Indian attire at the festival. Picture by Sarat Patra

Puri, March 1: The attraction of yoga, meditation and above all, concept of universal brotherhood of Lord Jagannath, brought hundreds of people from all over the world to the beach town of Puri recently. Irrespective of their religion or spiritual inclination, participants of the International Friendship Festival held here, took part in traditional songs, dances and plays.

More than 600 delegates from Russia, USA, Ukraine, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Argentina and India participated in the festival. Aiming to create a peaceful world, the delegates got together and presented multilingual plays. They also participated in traditional dance recitals of different countries.

“I have been involved in the festival for the last three years. Being a Russian, it feels great to act in Indian plays and perform Spanish dances,” said Maria from Moscow, who is also the secretary of the festival.

The eighth edition of the Friendship Festival, organised by Sri Jagannath Peace and Harmony Congress, was held from February 25 to 27. Beginning with a Gosthi Nrutya (a group dance on Radha-Krishna’s rasa lila) and ending with a kirtana everyday, the event showcased a plethora of events performed by citizens of different countries.

“We had some interpreters who would announce the dialogues in English during the plays for all to understand since the actors included artistes from Russia, Spain, USA, India and so on,” said Deba Das, the organiser. “In fact, the play, performed on an Indian mythological piece on tantric rituals, was loved by the audience despite being multilingual,” he said.

Yoga and meditation camps were also held during this festival. “There is a huge following for yoga in Moscow since we believe it helps in uplifting the soul. Here, when we practice yoga and meditation in hundreds, the energy is enormous,” said Maria.

“Though a Christian, I love the concept of universal brotherhood of Jagannath culture. Also, I have been here for two months now to learn more about meditation,” said USA-based businessman Borne. “I’m honoured to be here among peace lovers of different countries. All of us have fallen in love with Orissa and India. In fact, I feel the drama on the concept of soul had a message for all of us,” said Linda, also from the US. “I feel the festival connects East with West,” she added.