COVID-19: Iconic Dhanu Yatra Cancelled In Odisha’s Bargarh

Bargarh: There will be no Dhanu Yatra this year. The decision was taken by the Bargarh district administration in view of the prevailing  COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual event, which attracts thousands of people from the state and outside, was scheduled to begin from December 31.

Briefing mediapersons after a meeting with the members of the Dhanu Yatra Committee at the collectorate, Bargarh Collector Jyoti Ranjan Pradhan said keeping the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, it was unanimously decided that Dhanu Yatra will not be held this year.

Described as the world’s largest open-air theatre, the festival takes one back to the epic Mahabharata. During the annual drama, the small town Bargarh is transformed into Mathura and people its residents.

It revolves around the episode of Krishna and Balaram’s visit to Mathura to witness the Dhanu ceremony organised by their (maternal) uncle King Kansa, with a plan to eliminate Krishna.

On the sidelines of the festival, a handloom fair Pallishri Mela, a traditional Meena Bazaar and a circus are also held in Bargarh. The Meena Bazar draws huge crowds.