Bargarh: Preparations for the world’s largest open-air theatre Dhanu Jatra are in full swing at Bargarh town. The entire town is being painted to make it look colourful during the 11-day-long extravaganza.
Construction of a Raj Darbar (royal court) for King Kansa is also underway. A Rangamahal has also been constructed where the actors will entertain spectators with their performances.
Bargarh town transforms into Mathura during the 11-day festival. The river Jeera becomes river Yamuna and Amrapali, located on the outskirts of Bargarh town, turns into Gopapura.
The entire Bargarh town will transform into a theatre stage for 11 days, and Kansa will rule the town during this period, while local residents will be his subjects. Kansa, who is the central character of Dhanu Yatra, will conduct his Raj Durbar for seven days.
The central theme of the Dhanu Yatra is based on ‘Krishna Leela and Mathura Vijay’. The festival begins with the enactment of king Kansa’s sister Devaki’s wedding with Basudev and ends with ‘Kansa Badha’ at the hands of his nephew Lord Krishna on the concluding day of the festival.
Several artists from 130 cultural troupes from across the country are scheduled to perform during the festival. Bargarh town is being decked up with lights and colourful gates to make the festival alluring and lively.
The ‘Dhanu Jatra’ is set to begin on December 27.
