A performance from last year’s Sreekshetra Mahotsav in Puri. Picture by Sarat Patra

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 13: The traditional performing arts of Puri will be showcased at the 10th edition of Sreekshetra Mahotsav in the second week of December. This five-day cultural extravaganza organised by district culture department is a much-awaited event for the holy city.

From balancing acts on wooden poles to various acrobatic stunts, bodybuilders and Malkhamba artistes stage their skills on the beach. Apart from these, members of the age-old akhadas (gym-cum-recreation clubs) of the city and a host of other traditional artistes display their talent at the event.

“We had invited local cultural organisations to take part in the festival last year. There were many striking acts that received appreciation from tourists. In fact, since winter is the peak season for arrival of tourists in the city, we have planned the festival in December,” said district culture officer Prafulla Samantaray.

Most of the events at the festival would showcase the cultural heritage of Puri. The different types of folk theatre or sahi jata, rituals observed by people of different localities to celebrate festivals of the Puri Jagannath temple and various other performing arts and crafts of the holy city would be showcased at the festival, said Samantaray.

Folk music and dance is a major portion of the event. “The Parasuram Nrutya and the Sahasra Arjun Nrutya, Nagarjuna Nrutya, Rabana Hanuman Nrutya that show the zari and sola craft as well as traditional dance performed on mythology-based poetry is one of the best things about the festival. Since these arts are not seen regularly in the city anymore, we wait for the event,” said Kirti Mohapatra, a local resident.