Bargarh: The world’s largest open air theatre festival, Dhanu Jatra, will begin from January 11, 2019 and will continue till January 21 for 10 days announced Bargarh District Collector Indramani Tripathy Tuesday.
A special meeting chaired by Bargarh Collector was held where the dates were finalised and plans to ensure smooth conduct of the festival were discussed. Among others presents in the meeting were members of the Dhanu Jatra Core Committee, Superintendent of Police, Mukesh Bhamu, Bargarh MLA Devesh Acharya, MP Prabhas Kumar Singh and other senior government officials.
The Dhanu Jatra in Bargarh is world famous. The 11-day festival is based on Krishna Leela and Mathura Vijay. During the festival, the small town will be transformed into Mathura, the kingdom of Kansa. River Jeera will turn into the Yamuna. And Amapali, which is located on the outskirts of the town, will become the mythical land of Gopapura.
The story begins with enactment of the grand wedding of Devaki and Basudeva, then traces the birth of Krishna. It continues with the demon king of Mathura, Kansa, also uncle of Lord Krishna, ascending the throne and concludes with his death.
The sleepy town of Bargarh in Western Odisha comes alive during the festival, the biggest open theatre in Asia. The festival is being held in Bargarh since 1947 to celebrate the independence and victory of the good over the evil.
The entire Jatra is a visual delight as the episode beginning from wedding of King Kansa’s sister Devaki with Basudev followed by his accession to throne, dethroning his father Ugrasen and concludes with ‘Kansa Badha’ at the hands of nephew Lord Krishna is depicted frame by frame.
The festival, which is a synthesis of stage, theatre and cinema, will be held for 11 days preceding the Pousa Purnima. Every year, the organisers add a new dimension to the festival to set aside the monotony and add colour to the festival.
PNN