Brass band of CRPF perform at a cultural event on the occasion of rath yatra in Puri. Picture by Sarat Patra

Puri, July 3: Cultural programmes were held at the Sarada Bali area of the city that is close to Gundicha temple.

This year a two-day soiree of dance and music was hosted by the local cultural group Badasankha Youth Cultural Association during rath yatra festivities.

The event that concluded on Thursday showcased various performances, but the brass band of CRPF police, Bhubaneswar stole the show.

Diverse forms of dance and music regaled the devotees, who came to the venue mostly after paying a visit to the holy Trinity at the temple. Classical dance such as Odissi by a Cuttack troupe depicted various tales of Jagannath and from Gita Govinda.

Folk dance items all over the country, too, were performed. But the crowd swayed to the tunes of the musicians of the CRPF brass band.

The policemen were impressive right from the start. The band of musicians played trumpets, violin, guitar, drums and cymbals. They started off with a few patriotic compositions such as Bande Utkal janani and then played celebrated devotional songs such as Aahe Nila Saila penned by devotee Salabega and many of Bhikari Bal hits such as Kotha Bhoga Khia. The viewers enjoyed the treat to the fullest.

“It was amazing to see how policemen, who are known for things much rough and tough could present such an amazing performance,” said Suresh Mishra, a local resident.

The performance was not spontaneous, but was the result of a lot of rehearsals, said the members. “We devote a lot of time to practise. We play at major events such as Independence Day or Republic Day for the CRPF marching team. But it is not often that we play at cultural events,” said a member of the brass band.

Apart from the band, the folk dance forms of Titilagarh and Bengal were appreciated by the crowd.

Dhudki and dhana koila by artistes from Badamba and acrobatic stunts on stage by an Akhada (traditional gym) troupe from Khurda were some highlights. Teams from ministry of culture and Eastern Zonal Culture Centre were also participants at the event. “Cultral programmes are hosted during rath yatra since they are extremely popular among devotees from other states as well as locals. We are glad that people enjoy the programmes in good numbers,” said Jaikrushna Dasmohapatra, head of the festival committee.