Bargarh (Odisha): Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited King Kansa’s court at the ongoing Dhanuyatra in Odisha’s Bargarh town on Sunday, fulfilling a long-cherished dream of attending the world’s largest open-air theatre festival.
Riding an elephant from Kalyan Mandap to King Kansa’s royal court, the Chief Minister joined the grand celebration alongside prominent dignitaries, including Bargarh Loksabha MP Pradip Purohit, MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi, Attabira MLA Nihar Ranjan Mahanand, Bijepur MLA Sanat Kumar Gartia, and Bhatli MLA Irasis Acharya.
In his address at Kansa Darbaar, Majhi stated, “I have long wished to witness the Dhanu Yatra, and today, after 24 years, that wish has been fulfilled.” He announced several significant projects as part of the festival:
- Permanent Royal Palace and Stage: A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared with an allocation of Rs12.80 crores for constructing a permanent royal palace and stage for Bargarh Dhanuyatra. The construction is expected to be completed by next year.
- Anicut on Jira River (Yamuna): Following King Kansa’s directives, an anicut will be built on the Jira River at a cost of Rs 80 crores to address local water needs.
- Canal Beautification: Responding to requests from the local MLA and residents of the symbolic Mathura city, the Chief Minister announced a Rs30-crore canal beautification project for the area.
This year’s Dhanuyatra, which began on January 3 and will conclude on January 13, is themed around ‘Mathura Vijay,’ depicting Lord Krishna’s victory over his uncle, demon king Kansa. The festival transforms Bargarh into Mathura, Ambapali village into Gopapura, and the Jira River into the Yamuna, with elaborate dramatizations of Krishna and Balarama’s childhood stories over 8 kilometers.
The state government has significantly increased financial support for the festival, raising grants from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore to elevate it to international status. Additionally, ₹50 lakh has been allocated for promotion and live broadcasting, and honorariums of Rs10,000 each will be provided to 170 prominent artists.
Marking its origins in 1947 to celebrate India’s independence, Dhanuyatra continues to be a cultural treasure. Majhi joins a distinguished list of Odisha Chief Ministers, including Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo, Biju Patnaik, and Naveen Patnaik, who have graced this iconic festival.
Report- Aswini Kumar Darjee
Input/Photo- Badri Prasad Sahu
