Bargarh: The stage is all set for the curtains to go up on “Dhanu Yatra”, claimed to be the world’s biggest open-air theatre, in Odisha’s Bargarh on Friday.
Dhanu Yatra is based on Krishna Leela and will showcase the mythological story of Krishna and his uncle Kansa. During the 11-day Yatra, which will conclude on January 13, Bargarh town 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.
King Kansa is the central character of Dhanu Yatra and its theme is borrowed from ‘Krishna Leela’ and ‘Mathura Vijay’. A grand and massive Raj Darbar (royal court) and a Rangamahal have been constructed where the actors will entertain spectators with their performances.
This year, stage actor Bhubaneswar Pradhan has been selected to play the role of King Kansa in place of Hrusikesh Bhoi. Pradhan, who has played the role of King Kansa earlier, is confident of presenting a memorable performance for the people coming to the Yatra. Bhoi, who played the role last year, was not considered by the selection committee of the Yatra as a corruption case is pending against him.
The Dhanu Yatra this time is also expected to be more grand and enjoyable as the state government has announced several measures, including hike in financial incentives, to project in international arena, particularly in view of dignitaries from across the world coming to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Bhubaneswar from January 8.
The government has raised the financial grants for the Yatra to Rs 1 crore and additional Rs 50 lakh for its promotion and live broadcast. For the first time, the Yatra will be live-streamed on LED screens across major cities while the National School of Drama (NSD) will make a documentary on the festival.
Besides, the government has planned to constitute an expert committee to get UNESCO’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ status for it.
