LAHORE, Nov 10: Colourful and enthralling performances and screening of films marked the first day of the World Performing Arts Festival at Alhamra Cultural Complex, Qadhafi Stadium, on Friday.

A large number of people thronged the venue to enjoy the festival where several artistes from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Russia, Iran, United States, Argentina and Spain featured in dances, music, puppet shows and plays.

Mirza Bagh. a stage performance by an Indian theatre group Yatrik, left the audience spell bound.

A puppets show by Argentinean artiste Valeria Guglietti through the shadow of hands and fingers received applauds from spectators.

Gidda, a dance performance by an Indian group coming from an Amritsar school, was also one of the main attractions. The group consisting of 25 students and four faculty members is on a second visit to Pakistan.

A Rajhistani group’s `swagat geet’ (welcoming songs) also attracted a large number of spectators.