Bhubaneswar: Kansa’s reign has started in Bargarh from Monday 15th January! Today is the first day of the world-famous Dhanu Yatra in Bargarh district of Odisha. King Kansa goes on a daily tour of the city riding on an elephant. Bargarh city has been named as Mathura and Ambapali as Goppur for the entire 11 days.
This unique festival of folk theatre with the participation of all inhabitants of the town will continue till January 25, the day on which Mathura’s demonic king Kamsa will be killed on stage.
This 11-day-long folk theatrical show will be inaugurated on Monday evening. During this period the story of Krishna and Kamsa will come alive in the nook and corner of Bargarh.
It is said to be the world’s largest open theatre. The city spread over about 6 kilometers is transformed into a theatre. Kansa, the villain of Dwapar era, becomes a hero here for 11 days. Apart from the governance system of the country, in this small town, during this period, only Kansa’s government runs. His orders are executed.
Let us tell you that in the open theater ‘Dhanu Yatra’, the royal court of demon king Kansh and his Rang Mahal have been completed and many arched gates have been built to display the city as the kingdom of Kansh. The Raj Darbar built in Hatpara of Bargarh city is 95 feet high and 45 feet long. The theater will be performed on 14 different stages built over an area of about seven kilometers across the city. Dhanu Yatra has been organized here since 1948. This journey has gained recognition globally.
During Dhanu Jatra, Bargarh town is considered. River Jeera flowing by its side becomes river Yamuna. Ambapali on the other side of the river is Gopapura, the place where Krishna was sheltered to escape Kamsa’s wrath.
In Dhanu Yatra, Kamsa is the main character of the show. To befit his regality, a Raj Darbar (royal court), 42 feet tall, 120 feet long, and 35 feet wide has been constructed for this king of Mathura. There is also a Rangamahal where performers will entertain the spectators with their cultural programs.
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