The iconic Dhanu Jatra, globally recognized as the largest open-air theatre in the world, kicked off today with grandeur in Bargarh town, Odisha. The 11-day cultural extravaganza, deeply rooted in mythology, will continue until January 13, transforming Bargarh and its neighboring areas into a vibrant stage that narrates the legendary tale of Lord Krishna’s victory over the tyrant King Kansa.
The festival was inaugurated by Bargarh MP Pradip Purohit, accompanied by local MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi and other esteemed dignitaries. Their presence underscored the cultural and historical significance of this annual celebration, which has been captivating audiences since 1947, the year of India’s independence.
The theme of Dhanu Jatra, ‘Mathura Vijay,’ depicts the victory of Lord Krishna over his oppressive uncle, demon King Kansa. During the festival: Bargarh town is transformed into the mythical city of Mathura.
The nearby Ambapali village becomes Gopapura, the pastoral land where Krishna spent his childhood.
The Jeera River, flowing near the town, symbolically represents the Yamuna River.
The entire town comes alive with performances, as residents actively participate in the festival, portraying themselves as subjects of King Kansa. Various episodes from the lives of Lord Krishna and Balaram are enacted daily, bringing the ancient tales to life.
Dhanu Jatra, celebrated annually for over seven decades, has grown into a significant cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors from across India and abroad. The festival not only showcases the vibrant traditions of Odisha but also reflects the rich heritage of India.
The Odisha government has significantly increased financial support for the festival. The grant for Dhanu Jatra has been raised from ₹10 lakh to a substantial ₹1 crore, aiming to elevate the event to an international cultural platform. An additional ₹50 lakh has been allocated to promote the festival and live broadcasting efforts. For the first time, Dhanu Jatra will be live-streamed on LED screens in major cities like Bhubaneswar, ensuring greater reach and visibility.
To honor the artists’ contributions, the state government has announced a ₹10,000 honorarium for each of the 170 prominent performers involved in the event. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to supporting cultural custodians who keep the age-old traditions alive.
In a significant move to secure global recognition, the Odisha government plans to form an expert committee to advocate for the inclusion of Dhanu Jatra in UNESCO’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ list. This recognition would further solidify its status as an internationally significant cultural event. The National School of Drama (NSD) has been roped in to create a documentary capturing the essence of Dhanu Jatra. This initiative is expected to preserve and promote the festival for future generations while enhancing its global appeal.
The iconic Dhanu Jatra, globally recognized as the largest open-air theatre in the world, kicked off today with grandeur in Bargarh town, Odisha. The 11-day cultural extravaganza, deeply rooted in mythology, will continue until January 13, transforming Bargarh and its neighboring areas into a vibrant stage that narrates the legendary tale of Lord Krishna’s victory over the tyrant King Kansa.
The festival was inaugurated by Bargarh MP Pradip Purohit, accompanied by local MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi and other esteemed dignitaries. Their presence underscored the cultural and historical significance of this annual celebration, which has been captivating audiences since 1947, the year of India’s independence.
The theme of Dhanu Jatra, ‘Mathura Vijay,’ depicts the victory of Lord Krishna over his oppressive uncle, demon King Kansa. During the festival: Bargarh town is transformed into the mythical city of Mathura.
The nearby Ambapali village becomes Gopapura, the pastoral land where Krishna spent his childhood.
The Jeera River, flowing near the town, symbolically represents the Yamuna River.
The entire town comes alive with performances, as residents actively participate in the festival, portraying themselves as subjects of King Kansa. Various episodes from the lives of Lord Krishna and Balaram are enacted daily, bringing the ancient tales to life.
Dhanu Jatra, celebrated annually for over seven decades, has grown into a significant cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors from across India and abroad. The festival not only showcases the vibrant traditions of Odisha but also reflects the rich heritage of India.
The Odisha government has significantly increased financial support for the festival. The grant for Dhanu Jatra has been raised from ₹10 lakh to a substantial ₹1 crore, aiming to elevate the event to an international cultural platform. An additional ₹50 lakh has been allocated to promote the festival and live broadcasting efforts. For the first time, Dhanu Jatra will be live-streamed on LED screens in major cities like Bhubaneswar, ensuring greater reach and visibility.
To honor the artists’ contributions, the state government has announced a ₹10,000 honorarium for each of the 170 prominent performers involved in the event. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to supporting cultural custodians who keep the age-old traditions alive.
In a significant move to secure global recognition, the Odisha government plans to form an expert committee to advocate for the inclusion of Dhanu Jatra in UNESCO’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ list. This recognition would further solidify its status as an internationally significant cultural event. The National School of Drama (NSD) has been roped in to create a documentary capturing the essence of Dhanu Jatra. This initiative is expected to preserve and promote the festival for future generations while enhancing its global appeal.
