Odisha is a wonderful bounty of opportunity for actor and actress. Dhanu Jatra is known as World’s biggest open air theatre, this is in Baragarh, Odisha.
LOCATION
Baragarh is situated in western part of Odisha. Very close to Chattisgarh state border. Baragarh is well connected with major cities by well constructed roads. Its around 350kms away from Capital city of Bhubaneswar and 220kms from Raipur, Capital of Chattisgarh. Baragarh famously know as Rice Bowl of Odisha,
DHANU YATRA
This huge festival of Baragarh is specially named as Dhanu Jatra. An open air theatre which has a large number of actor and actress play on it. Dhanu Yatra started in the year 1948 just after the Independence. A cultural festival where the mythological play performed every year. The play consists of three categories, Krishna Leela, Mathura Vijay and Kansa Badha.
Lord Krishna in the small age killed cruel & cunning Kansa of Mathura who was his maternal uncle is the central theme of the play. Kansa the demon king symbolises the British government and Lord Krishna saved the people of India. Dhanuyatra is held for 11 days in Baragarh every year which starts from the 5th day of the bright fortnight till the full moon day of the Dhanu month which seems like Mathura Nagar. Jeera river flows in Baragarh used as Yamuna and Ambapali village across the river is called Gopapura. The whole town is decorated beautifully to give the feelings of Lord Krishna, Mathura and Mathura’s people. The entire area becomes an open air theater. No vehicles entered to the town during this time. Everybody Move on foot and only Kansa moves on an elephant.
Play goes on during 11 days in which Kansa visit to different places of the town.There is a Kansa Darbar which is height of 8 to 10 feet from the ground level in Dhanu Yatra’s field. Lord Krishna is the force of attractions in the place Ambapali. The play starts from wedding of Devki ,sister of Kansa. The birth of Lord Krishna in the prison and throughout his childhood and adolescent mistakes is admirable. Various events of Lord Krishna has shown here through the play. The play carries distinctive Odisha folk dance music in drammatical tradition. Actor and actress used Champu and Chhanda to deliver their performances.
Dhanu Yatra provides opportunity to the business man and small industries to do business during this time.People from various States come here and do the business during this 11 days. Food counters, medical emergency, amusement parks, music concerts etc organised in this town during this period. Town packs with various guests in all the families. The festive environment makes all the people happy and prosperous. Since last 72 years, this festival has been celebrated with same charm. Let’s go to visit the wonderful place.
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