KalingaTV News Network
Bargarh: The world’s largest open air theatre festival ‘Dhanu Jatra’ began here on Saturday. The 11-day festival which is based on Krishna Leela and Mathura Vijay will continue till January 2, 2018.
It is believed that the Dhanu Jatra in its present form started in 1948 to mark the end of British rule, a symbolic representation of the triumph of good over evil.
During the festival, the district headquarters town Bargarh becomes the city of Mathura, the capital of King Kansa while the river Jeera becomes river Yamuna and Ambapali situated on the other side of Jeera turns into Gopapura, the abode of Lord Krishna.
This year, Bhubaneswar Pradhan of Sarala village in the district has been selected to play the role of king Kansa in the festival.
“For 11 days, the whole of Bargarh town is transformed to a big stage through the story of Kansa, his death and the noble deeds of Sri Krishna are enacted in 14 main places at Mathura and four places in Gopapura,” as stated in the official website of Bargarh Dhanu Jatra.
Dhanu Jatra Mahotsav Samiti convener Sureswar Satpathy said, “Various state-level cultural troupes including local residents will take part in the cultural events organised at the main venue Hatpada.”
“Around 70 artistes will perform various roles in the Dhanu Jatra at Mathura while about 40 will enact at Gopapur. Besides, as many as 3,000 artistes of 120 cultural troupes across the country will perform at the Raj Durbar and Ranga Mahal during the festival”, he added.
The District administration has made elaborate security arrangement for the smooth conduct of the festival.
Kalinga AI