Bargarh Dhanu Jatra: Hrusikesh Bhoi To Play ‘Kansa’ For 10th Time; Know His Predecessor

Bargarh: Hrusikesh Bhoi will play the mythological character Kansa during the world-famous Dhanu Jatra this year. This is for the 10th time that this native of Chicholi village under Ambabhona Block in Bargarh district will don the grease paint for the ‘Maharaja’ role.

He played the role of Kansa between 2009 and 2017.

According to sources, Hrusikesh was picked from 56 artists, who applied for the role of ‘Kansa’. While 42 were selected for the final round of the audition, he emerged as the first choice to play the demon king, which is the key to the cultural extravaganza when Bargarh town transforms into Mathura with the legendary ‘Kansa’ ruling ‘his realm’. A 7-member expert team, including theatre directors Pradip Majhi of Kalahandi and Jamal Khan of Balangir, conducted the audition test.

Currently working as a driver in the health department, Hrusikesh almost lost the coveted crown by appearing as King Kansa at Dharmasala Mahotsav in Jajpur district in 2016, violating a tradition that restricts a person from playing Kansa’s character on any other platform. The Artiste Advisory Committee, however, pardoned him after he gave a written assurance that he would never repeat the mistake.

The famous Bargarh Dhanu Jatra will be held from December 27 after a gap of two years due to the COVID lockdown. The 11-day event will conclude on January 6, 2023.

Started during 1947-48 at the time of Independence, Dhanu Jatra in Bargarh district is considered the largest open-air theatre in the world. During the event, the entire Bargarh town turns into a stage for the 11-day-long theatre. The town is transformed into Mathura under the rule of demon king Kansa. The ‘Balya Leela’ of Lord Krishna takes place at Ambapali on the other side of the Jeera River in the town that turns into Gopapura.

List of artists selected for different characters:

• Maharaja Kansa- Hrusikesh Bhoi
• Mahamantri- Golap Chandra Dash
• Sartaki- Sebananda Nayak
• Akrura- Jagannath Sahu
• Senapati- Dayananda Majhi
• Chanura- Munesh Chandra Acharya
• Mustika- Surya Prakash Karna
• Debaki- Kanak Dansana Choudhury
• Basudev- Manoj Kumar Sahu
• Ugrasena- Artatrana Mahapatra
• Narad- Jagannath Sahu

Besides, here’s a look at the various artists who have played Kansa at Dhanu Jatra over the years:

Bundi Ratha(originally Bunde Ratha) of Deogaon was the first Kansa. He played the role of the tyrant king of Mathura for two consecutive years. He was succeeded by Bhimsen Tripathy in the third year of Dhanu Jatra. From 1957 to 1980, Yudhistir Satpathy was the Kansa. In 1973, however, there was a break to his long reign with Radheshyam Dash donning the attire of the demon king.

Debendra Biswal replaced Satpathy in 1981 and the following years saw Nilanchal Dash of Sohela playing Kasan before Gopal Sahu began his long innings.

Sahu played Kansa for 23 years from 1984-1998 and 2001-2008. The organising committee, however, replaced Sahu because of his failing health. The ‘loss of his crown and make-belief kingdom’ went on to haunt Sahu for a long time. He preferred to stay indoors and watch the show on TV. “Raja thili, praja heli (I was king, now I have been reduced to a mere subject)” is how the sub-inspector of police had bitterly summed up his feelings.

The credit for encouraging him to take up the role goes to his wife. She felt he was apt for playing Kansa because of his physique and voice. His nephew played the role of Krishna from 2005 to 2008. For the Dwapara Yuga king’s role, Sahu received the Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1994 and a lifetime achievement award from the then chief minister JB Patnaik.

Bhubaneswar Pradhan was selected in 1999 but did not match the expectations of the organisers. So, Sahu was roped in again in 2001. He is the owner of an opera party, Samaleswari Gananatya, and is a professional artiste. Bhubaneswar made a comeback in 2018 after a gap of 17 years and went on to play the role again in 2019.