Auditions For Roles In Dhanu Yatra Underway In Odisha’s Bargarh

Bargarh: Auditions for the selection of artistes to play the role of different characters during the famous Dhanu Yatra are underway in Odisha’s Bargarh.

According to souurces, around 223 applications have been received this year for 11 different roles in Dhanu Yatra. The applications include 60 for the role of King Kansa. The audition is slated to continue till November 10.

Auditions were held for the roles of Ugrasen, Basudev, Devaki, Narada and Senapati on the opening day on Monday. While six aspirants appeared for the role of Ugrasen, 14 were auditioned for Basudev. Similarly, four applicants auditioned for the role of Devaki, 24 for Senapati and seven for Narad.

A 7-member expert team including theatre directors Pradip Majhi of Kalahandi and Jamal Khan of Balangir conducted the audition test. In the second phase, auditions will be held for the characters of Satarki, Chandura, Mustika and Akrura. Audition for King Kansa’s role is scheduled on November 10.

“Many new and young artistes have turned up for the auditions this time. The selection is a tough task as several good artistes have applied for different roles. Our expert team will select the best artistes for the characters,” said Convener of Dhanu Yatra festival committee Sureswar Satpathy.

The Dhanu Yatra, considered as the biggest open air theatre in the world, will be held this time after a gap of two years due to the COVID pandemic. The festival will begin on December 27 and conclude on January 6. During the yatra, the entire Bargarh town will turn into a stage. While the town will become Mathura under the rule of demon king Kansa, the ‘Balya Leela’ of Lord Krishna will take place at Ambapali (Gopapura) on the other side of Jeera river.

During the 11 days of the Yatra, King Kansa rules over the town and its residents, including district Collector and SP, become his obedient subjects.