Odisha’s Dhanu Jatra Begins Today; Meet ‘Kansas’ Who Ruled Bargarh During 11-Day Fest

Bargarh: Hrusikesh Bhoi will yet again don the role of the ruthless King Kansa during the 11-day Dhanu Yatra, considered to the world’s largest open-air theatre spread over five square km, starting in Bargarh town of Odisha from Monday.

This is for the 11th time that this native of Chicholi village under Ambabhona Block in the district will don the grease paint for the ‘Maharaja’ role. He played the role of Kansa between 2009 and 2017 and was back on the stage again in December 2022, when the festival was organised after a gap of two years due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Hrusikesh had almost lost the coveted crown by appearing as King Kansa at Dharmasala Mahotsav in Jajpur district in 2016, violating a tradition that restricts a person from playing the character on any other platform. The Artiste Advisory Committee, however, pardoned him after he gave a written assurance that he would never repeat the mistake.

Started during 1947-48 at the time of Independence, Dhanu Jatra is celebrated from the 5th day of ‘Pousasukla’ (bright fortnight) till ‘Pousapurnima’ (full moon day) when Bargarh town is transformed into Mathura under the rule of demon king Kansa. The ‘Balya Leela’ of Lord Krishna takes place at Ambapali on the other side of the Jeera River in the town that is turned into Gopapura.

Here’s a look at the various artistes who have played Kansa at Dhanu Jatra over the years:

Bundi Ratha (originally Bunde Ratha) of Deogaon was the first Kansa. He played the role of the tyrant king of Mathura for two consecutive years. He was succeeded by Bhimsen Tripathy in the third year of Dhanu Jatra. From 1957 to 1980, Yudhistir Satpathy was the Kansa. In 1973, however, there was a break in his long reign with Radheshyam Dash donning the attire of the demon king.

Debendra Biswal replaced Satpathy in 1981 and the following years saw Nilanchal Dash of Sohela playing Kasan before Gopal Sahu began his long innings.

Sahu played Kansa for 23 years from 1984-1998 and 2001-2008. The organising committee, however, replaced Sahu because of his failing health. The ‘loss of his crown and make-belief kingdom’ went on to haunt Sahu for a long time. He preferred to stay indoors and watch the show on TV. “Raja thili, praja heli (I was king, now I have been reduced to a mere subject)” is how the sub-inspector of police had bitterly summed up his feelings.

The credit for encouraging him to take up the role goes to his wife. She felt he was apt for playing Kansa because of his physique and voice. His nephew played the role of Krishna from 2005 to 2008. For the Dwapara Yuga king’s role, Sahu received the Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1994 and a lifetime achievement award from the then Chief Minister J B Patnaik.

Bhubaneswar Pradhan was selected in 1999 but did not match the expectations of the organisers. So, Sahu was roped in again in 2001. He is the owner of an opera party, Samaleswari Gananatya, and is a professional artiste. Bhubaneswar made a comeback in 2018 after a gap of 17 years and went on to play the role again in 2019.