KalingaTV News Network
Bargarh: The district collector and president of the Dhanu Jatra organising committee Khagendra Kumar Padhi set up the ‘Subha Stambha’ (holy stone) at Hatapada, the spot where Dhanu Jatra, world’s largest open air theatre will be performed.
The members of the organising committee along with others took out a procession to Hatapada after a special prayer at Maa Samaleswari temple following which Padhi laid the holy stone.
Sources said that rehearsal for the 11-day festival will begin after the selection of king Kansa. The audition for the role of king Kansa will begin from November 28.
The annual festival will kick start on December 23 and will conclude on January 2.
Dhanu Jatra is based on Krishna Leela and Mathura Vijay. The story begins with the legendary king of Mathura Kansa ascending the throne, and ends with Krishna killing his uncle Kansa.
During the festival, Bargarh becomes the city of Mathura, the river Jeera becomes the Yamuna and Ambapali situated on the other side of Jeera becomes Gopapura.
Significantly, Kansa can punish people with penalty for their mistakes during the festival.
Ms Kalinga