In a significant move to boost the cultural heritage of Odisha, the state government has sanctioned ₹12.79 crore for the construction of the proposed Raj Mahal for Dhanu Jatra in Bargarh town. The grand palace, dedicated to the festival’s iconic character, King Kansa, will be built on the playground of Nishamani High School.
Sharing the official letter from the State Tourism Department on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Bargarh MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi extended his heartfelt appreciation to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida for their strong support towards the initiative. He emphasized that the project would further enhance the grandeur of Dhanu Jatra, which holds the title of the world’s largest open-air theatre.
During his visit to Bargarh on January 12, 2025, CM Mohan Majhi participated in the Dhanu Jatra celebrations and announced plans for a permanent Raj Mahal for King Kansa at an estimated cost of ₹12 crore. He further revealed that the Odisha government is committed to promoting Dhanu Yatra at an international level while also undertaking various developmental projects for Bargarh’s growth. Dhanu Jatra is an annual open-air theatre festival based on the mythological story of Krishna Leela, depicting the tale of Lord Krishna and his tyrant uncle King Kansa.
Every year, during the festival Bargarh town transforms into Mathura, the kingdom ruled by Kansa. The Jeera River symbolizes the Yamuna River, where Krishna’s parents Vasudeva and Devaki were taken after his birth. The Ambapali village, located across the Jeera River, represents Gopapur, Krishna’s childhood home.
This UNESCO-recognized festival attracts thousands of visitors and performers, creating a theatrical marvel where real-life characters enact the mythological events in a 360-degree, immersive experience. The construction of a permanent Raj Mahal is expected to add more authenticity and splendor to the world-renowned festival.
In a significant move to boost the cultural heritage of Odisha, the state government has sanctioned ₹12.79 crore for the construction of the proposed Raj Mahal for Dhanu Jatra in Bargarh town. The grand palace, dedicated to the festival’s iconic character, King Kansa, will be built on the playground of Nishamani High School.
Sharing the official letter from the State Tourism Department on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Bargarh MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi extended his heartfelt appreciation to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida for their strong support towards the initiative. He emphasized that the project would further enhance the grandeur of Dhanu Jatra, which holds the title of the world’s largest open-air theatre.
During his visit to Bargarh on January 12, 2025, CM Mohan Majhi participated in the Dhanu Jatra celebrations and announced plans for a permanent Raj Mahal for King Kansa at an estimated cost of ₹12 crore. He further revealed that the Odisha government is committed to promoting Dhanu Yatra at an international level while also undertaking various developmental projects for Bargarh’s growth. Dhanu Jatra is an annual open-air theatre festival based on the mythological story of Krishna Leela, depicting the tale of Lord Krishna and his tyrant uncle King Kansa.
Every year, during the festival Bargarh town transforms into Mathura, the kingdom ruled by Kansa. The Jeera River symbolizes the Yamuna River, where Krishna’s parents Vasudeva and Devaki were taken after his birth. The Ambapali village, located across the Jeera River, represents Gopapur, Krishna’s childhood home.
This UNESCO-recognized festival attracts thousands of visitors and performers, creating a theatrical marvel where real-life characters enact the mythological events in a 360-degree, immersive experience. The construction of a permanent Raj Mahal is expected to add more authenticity and splendor to the world-renowned festival.
