Bhubaneswar: Cultural programmes are being organised at various places across Puri for visitors who have come here to experience the rath yatra.

Cultural events are being conducted every day on the beach where a dance-drama dedicated to the Trinity is being staged by traditional artistes. The recitals portray various legends and rituals associated with rath yatra.

Musical performance of devotional and folk songs are also being showcased. The three-hour programme also includes a dance recital where artistes perform Odissi and Gotipua. Both the musical and dance performances depict the aura of Lord Jagannath and His siblings and the unbridled faith that people have on Him.

"I had heard a lot about the various art forms practised in Odisha but never got an opportunity to see them. Although I could not understand the language, but their facial and body movements were expressive and I got the underlying concept," said Ajay Sinha, a visitor from Calcutta.

Folk artistes are also staging performances on the beach as a part of an awareness campaign to make tourists aware about the need to keep Puri clean. Around 10 cultural groups from across the state are performing on the beach in the evenings.

Engaging the audience using folk art forms such as ghoda nacha and pala, the artistes are sensitising the audience on various issues including beach sanitation and the harmful effects of open defecation.

The entire campaign also aims at providing artistes, who are struggling to save their art forms, an exposure before a diverse audience. A number of cultural events are also being organised in Bhubaneswar.