Curtains Go Up On Dhanu Yatra In Odisha’s Bargarh

Bargarh: The world’s largest open-air theatre, Dhanu Yatra, took off in Western Odisha town Bargarh on Monday.

Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari inaugurated the theatre based on Krishna Leela at Hatapada in the town. The theatre, organised by Dhanu yatra Mahotsav Committee, will continue for 11 days.

On the first day of the yatra, the episode from Krishna Leela depicting the marriage of King Basudev and Queen Devaki was staged. It was followed by enactment of demon king Kansa dethroning Basudev and throwing him and Devaki in jail before ascending the throne.

From Tuesday, King Kansa will move around his kingdom Mathura and interact with his subjects to be played by the residents of the town for next 10 days.

During the festival, Bargarh transforms into Mathura. River Jeera symbolically represents river Yamuna and Ambapali, which is located on the other side of Jeera, turns into Gopapur.

King Kansa’s Raj Darbar measuring 42 feet tall, 120 ft long and 35 feet wide has been constructed at Hatapada in the town. Similarly, his Ranga Mahal has been decorated with several arch gates, colourful drapes and decorative lights.