Bargarh, Oct 27: Sushil Meher has stepped down from the role of Kans, the mythological demon king, in Bargarh’s famous Dhanu Yatra. He submitted his resignation letter to Bargarh Collector Aditya Goyal, who is also the president of the Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav Committee, in the presence of his supporters.

Meher had been selected to portray Kans for the 2025–26 Dhanu Yatra. As per the existing rules, a person selected for the role is expected to serve for three years. However, Meher has decided to take a break from the role for the 2026–27 edition of the festival.

In his letter, Meher stated that his performance during last year’s Dhanu Yatra had drawn criticism from various quarters. There were also demands to remove him from the role of Kans in the upcoming edition. During the first meeting of the Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav Committee, several committees reportedly recommended replacing him in the role.

Citing these developments, Meher said he had decided to step away from the performance for the time being. However, he expressed his willingness to return in the future, stating that he would gladly accept the opportunity if the Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav Committee invited him to perform again.

Bargarh’s Dhanu Yatra is scheduled to begin on January 12, 2027, and continue for 11 days, concluding on January 22. The festival is widely known for its grand enactment of episodes from Lord Krishna’s life, with Bargarh transforming into Mathura and the role of Kans serving as one of its central attractions.