Bargarh, Dec 12: The western Odisha side in Bargarh is all preparing with activities for the ensuing Dhanu Yatra which is the biggest open air theatre in the world, beginning from Jan 2. This would be the 68th edition of Dhanu Yatra in Bargarh town. Prepartaional activities have already begun from Sunday evening after a ritual in the Samaleswari temple. Later, the devotees took out a procession after obtaining the Agyanmala from Goddess Samaleswari and arrived at the Sanchara Padia near Hatapada where the royal priest Siba Prasad Dash conducted the traditional rituals which were performed by Bijay Kumar Rath, Additional Collector, Bargarh. After the rituals, a pillar was placed at the place of worship. The royal priest later invited Hrusikesh Bhoi to play the role of ‘Kansa’, the demon king. Prior to this, Bhoi has played the role of Kansa for eight times. Expressing happiness for being invited to perform the role of Kansa for the ninth time, Hrushikesh Bhoi said this time, there will be some more plays at this open theatre as decided by the theatre directors to entertain the people.
Among others, Bargarh SP, B Jugal Kishore, senior district officials, members of Dhanu Yatra Committee, actors for Dhanu Yatra and thousands of people were present at the place of ritual.
During the festival of Dhanu Yatra which will go on for 11 days thus concluding on Jan 12, the whole of Bargarh will be renamed as Mathura Nagari, the kingdom of Kansa and Ambapalli will be renamed as Gopapura, the place where Lord Krishna had spent his childhood. And the Jira River flowing on the outskirts of Bargarh will be renamed as Yamuna.
