Bargarh, Nov 18: Sushil Kumar Meher has been selected to play Kansa in the renowned Bargarh Dhanu Yatra, the world’s largest open-air theatre festival. Organisers confirmed his appointment, marking a key moment in Odisha’s annual cultural calendar.

Each year, the Dhanu Yatra transforms Bargarh into the mythological landscapes of Mathura and Gopapur, staging episodes from Krishna Leela with remarkable scale and authenticity. Meher’s entry as Kansa is expected to bring renewed energy to the narrative and enhance the festival’s dramatic storytelling.

Festival officials have also finalised performers for several other major roles, including Mahamantri, Senapati, Debaki, Narada, and Akrura. With the full cast now in place, preparations are underway for the portrayals that uphold the event’s longstanding reputation for artistic excellence.

Drawing thousands of visitors annually, the Dhanu Yatra turns streets, markets, and public spaces into sprawling performance arenas. Audiences experience mythological drama in an immersive setting where tradition and community participation blend seamlessly, sustaining the festival as one of Odisha’s living cultural treasures.

Meher’s selection underscores the organisers’ commitment to nurturing local talent while maintaining the grandeur the festival is known for. His performance will anchor the storyline, supported by an ensemble cast dedicated to delivering a vibrant and memorable edition.

As anticipation builds among devotees, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts, the 2025 Bargarh Dhanu Yatra promises to uphold its legacy and captivate audiences with its unmatched theatrical spectacle.