Bargarh: The schedule for the Dhanu Yatara, considered to be the world’s biggest open air theatre, in Odisha’s Bargarh was decided at a preparatory meeting on Saturday.
Bargarh district collector Aditya Goyal chaired themeeting with the members of the Dhanu Yatra organising committee and other stakeholders to discuss the preparation for the annual fair.
It was decided at the meeting that the Dhanu Yatra would start on January 3 next year. The Yatra will continue for 11 days and end on January 13.
The meeting also discussed the income and expenditure of the last year’s Yatra and the budget for the coming year. The committee members submitted their suggestions for further improvement in arrangements for the visitors to the town to participate in the Dhanu Yatra.
Dhanu Yatra is based on Krishna Leela and will showcase the mythological story of Krishna and his uncle Kansa. During the Yatra, Bargarh transforms into Mathura. River Jeera symbolically represents river Yamuna and Ambapali, which is located on the other side of the river Jeera, turns into Gopapur.
Kansa is the central character of Dhanu Yatra and its theme is borrowed from ‘Krishna Leela’ and ‘Mathura Vijay’. A Raj Darbar (royal court) for King Kansa as well as a Rangamahal are constructed where the actors entertain spectators with their performances. Stage actor Hrusikesh Bhoi will play the pivotal role of King Kansa in the Yatra.