Bargarh, Jan 15: The Western Odisha town of Bargarh is all decked up with beginning of the 76th 'Dhanu Yatra' festival from today, considered to be the world’s largest open-air theatre.
With the commencement of the 11-day festival, Bargarh transforms into Mathura. River Jeera symbolically represents the River Yamuna and Ambapali turns into Gopapur.
'Dhanu Yatra' is based on mythological story of Lord Krishna and his uncle king Kansa who was characterised as a demon.
To mark the occasion, King Kansa’s Raj Darbar has been constructed at Hatapada in Bargarh town. Another attraction of the festival, Kansa's Ranga Mahal has been decorated with several arch gates, colourful drapes and decorative lights.
King Kansa will perform on 14 stages that have been constructed at different locations in the town during the 11-day festival till January 25, based on the episodes of Shri Krishna Lila.
Every resident plays the character of ‘Praja’ (subject) of Kansa who has been ruling the kingdom.
