Govt Sanctions Additional Rs 50 Lakh For Dhanu Yatra In Odisha’s Bargarh

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has sanctioned additional Rs 50 lakh for Dhanu Yatra to be organised in Bargarh in 2025.

Speaking to the media in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, Culture Minister Surjyabanshi Suraj outlined the government’s measures to promote the Dhanu Yatra, which is claimed as the world’s biggest open air theatre, in the national and international level.

The much-celebrated Dhanu Jatra- 2025 will be held in Bargarh district from 3rd January to 13th January, showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and tradition. The Odisha government is taking significant steps to elevate the festival to international recognition, as detailed by the Culture Minister Surjyabanshi Suraj, during a press briefing today.

He said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced that the government aid for the Yatra had been raised from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore. To ensure the success of the festival, additionally Rs 50 lakh has been sanctioned for activities such as live broadcast, creation of a dedicated website for the festival, and other associated expenses, he added.

For the first time, the event will be live-streamed across major locations in Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, using LED screens.

Around 170 participating artists will receive a token honorarium of Rs 10,000 each. Additionally, the National School of Drama will produce a documentary on Dhanu Yatra to showcase its cultural significance.

“A dedicated expert committee will be formed to work towards obtaining UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for Dhanu Yatra. The government is also launching a dedicated website that will provide comprehensive information about the festival, including its history, venues and real-time GPS-enabled navigation for visitors,” he said.

Notable artists like Arun Govil (known for playing Lord Ram), Nitish Bharadwaj (famous for portraying Lord Krishna) and Hema Malini, Mathura MP will be invited to the Danu Yatra-2025.

Also Read: Odisha Govt Raises Aid For Dhanu Yatra In Bargrah To Rs 1 Crore