Bargarh: The 11-day Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav in Odisha’s Bargarh, considered to be the world’s biggest open air theatre, will begin from December 24.
The decision was taken at a preparatory meeting held on Monday evening under the chairmanship of Bargarh Collector and Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav Committee president Aditya Goyal. The meeting also discussed security measures, artist selection, budget planning, and infrastructure development.
This year, new actors will be selected to play demon king Kansa, his ministers, and other central characters, injecting fresh energy into the age-old tradition.“Both the Advisory Committee and Executive Committee members took part in the meeting. The discussions centred on the selection of new artistes. A five-member jury committee will be formed by the cultural advisory committee led by the ADM and applications will be invited with a 15-day notice period. The selection of artistes will be made in a transparent manner with juries taking the final call,” Collector Goyal said.
Kansa is the central character of Dhanu Yatra and its theme is borrowed from ‘Krishna Leela’ and ‘Mathura Vijay’.
The Collector emphasised on transparency and fairness in choosing Kansa and other artists. He also stressed ensuring law and order and effective crowd management during the event, which is attended by lakhs of devotees and tourists.
During these 11 days, the entire town is transformed into a mythological stage. River Jeera symbolically represents river Yamuna and Ambapali, which is located on the other side of the river Jeera, turns into Gopapura. A Raj Darbar (royal court) for King Kansa as well as a Rangamahal are also constructed where the actors entertain spectators with their performances.
