Bargarh: The world’s largest open air theatre – Bargarh Dhanu Yatra will start Friday at the Hatapada Royal Court here at 7 pm. The programme will conclude January 21.
During these 11 days, many areas here will be rechristened. The town of Bargarh will turn into Mathura Nagar, the kingdom of Kansa and Ambapali, the outskirts will be decorated and renamed Gopapur while the Jeera river which flows between Bargarh and Ambapali will resemble and called the Yamuna.
Preparations which are in their last stages are on full swing to make the 70th edition of the event, a highly successful one. Some new features have been added to the programme to make it more attractive.
Elephants, camels and horses are an integral part of king Kansa’s entourage and have already arrived at the venue along with the courtesans who play an important role in the programme.
The town is already donning an attractive and colourful look with lights, huge banners and gates. All the houses have been white-washed and coloured. Murals depicting ‘Krishna Leela’ have also been painted at various parts of the town adding to splendor. Residents of the city who stay away have returned along with friends and festivities to be a part of the celebrations. There is a vibrant and exciting buzz which has already engulfed the town.
The district and police administration have made precautionary arrangements to ensure a glitch-free programme. Sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Suresh Kumar Naik informed Friday that under the guidance of Bargarh superintendent of police (SP) Mukesh Kumar Bhanu two ASPs, eight DSPs, 14 inspectors, 35 SIs, 56 ASIs, 22 havildars, 128 constables and 200 home guards have been pressed into action to maintain law and order.
As per tradition, the festival will be inaugurated by local MLA Debesh Acharya along with MPs Prabhas Singh and Prasanna Acharya, informed Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav committee secretary Sureshwar Satapathy.
PNN