Dhanu jatra

File:Dhanu Yatra.jpg, Balangir district, Odisha.]]

It is said by some old people that as a way to celebrate the freedom, of newly formed independent India after the British rulers, the labor class workers started this festival. Death of Kansa symbolised the end of colonial rules.[http://www.bargarhdhanuyatra.nic.in/ Bargarh Dhanu Yatra Govt. website, maintained by National Informatics Centre]

The main municipality area turns into the historical town of Mathura Nagari, river Jeera turns into Yamuna, Ambapaali village (now a ward - part of Bargarh municipality) becomes Gopapura. A Pond by the side of Jeera river in Ambapali becomes the Kalindi Lake of the mythology. Since 2005, Nishamani School Ground has been used as the Rangamahal - Cultural stage of the festival.

There are many other towns/ villages of western Odisha, where this drama enactment is done in recent years, following the success and popularity of the Bargarh stage. The notable places are village Chicholi of Ambabhona block is considered to be the second most famous in that area, apart from this Thuaapaali, Remanda are also notable.

Two stages in the town. The daily vegetable market inside the heart of the town becomes the main stage of the festival. Second stage is set up in Nishamani High School field near Kalimandir. A temporary stage is built up using bamboo, cloth and other decorating materials. The cement concrete roof of market shops around works as main platform. Whereas in Nishamani field, there is ample space in the ground to enjoy the show. Cultural troops, perform there in presence of King Kansa, invited guests and eager audience ranging from children to old people.

There is the historical place of starting point, at the rear area of the daily market, where the holy mast is erected a few days before the actual festival begins. Historically this place has been used by "Sanchaar" dance {{Cite web | url=http://www.orissasangeetnatak.org/folkart.html | title=Welcome to Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi | access-date=2014-01-07 | archive-date=2024-01-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116225122/http://www.orissasangeetnatak.org/folkart.html | url-status=dead }} form performers. It is declining and going extinct as a form of dance. Only handful old performers of this dance form are left, who still come every year to perform. This dance goes on throughout the night to keep the visitors of the villages engaged with entertainment, questions and answers.

Nearby village Ambapaali is rendered as Gopapura, during the festival. Villagers paint their houses to the themes of the mythology, hand drawings on walls showing various stories of Krishna. Wall writing of poetic stanzas are quite common on almost all walls of the village.

Jeera river, flowing on West side to the main town, is transformed into river Yamuna for these 10 days. The river is used in the drama in 3 days of the play -

1. When Krishna is born and Vasudeva goes to leave Krishna, his son at king Nanda's place, for the safety from the killer hands of Kansa
2. During Raas Leela of Krishna with Gopis along the banks of the river (Gopapura - Ambapaali)
3. When minister Akrura goes and brings Krishna Balaram Brother duos to show them Dhanu jatra at Mathura (Bargarh) city.

Gobindpaali:

2009–2015 Dhanuyatra - Kansa- Hrushikes bhoi

Makeup artist Ghasiram Sahu of Bargarh, Odisha, actively associated with this festival since 1951 without a break, died at the age of 84 years on 31 July 2015. He is credited for giving unique tyrant look to Kanssa, the principal actor of this play.

Known as the world's biggest open-air theatre,{{cite news |url= http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/23/stories/2008122350850200.htm |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130216053506/http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/23/stories/2008122350850200.htm |url-status= dead |archive-date= 16 February 2013 |title=Other States / Orissa News : Bargarh gears up for Dhanu Yatra |quote=The 11-day cultural extravaganza is globally known as world’s largest open-air theatre. |access-date=18 January 2013 |location=Chennai, India |work= The Hindu |date=23 December 2008}}{{cite news |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/All-of-Bargarhs-a-stage-for-Dhanu-Yatra/articleshow/7270991.cms |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130216063212/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-12/bhubaneswar/28352109_1_gopapur-hrusikesh-bhoi-bargarh-dhanu-yatra |url-status= live |archive-date= 16 February 2013 |title=All of Bargarh's a stage for Dhanu Yatra |quote=It is also referred to as the world's biggest open-air theatre |access-date=18 January 2013 |work= The Times of India |date=12 January 2011}} it is held at bargarh since 1947.{{cite news |url= http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111216/jsp/odisha/story_14885738.jsp#.UPhUGGdP9tY |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130216213033/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111216/jsp/odisha/story_14885738.jsp%23.UPhUGGdP9tY |url-status= dead |archive-date= February 16, 2013 |title=Dhanu yatra to begin in Puri |first=Sudeep Kumar |last= Guru|work=telegraphindia.com |quote=The festival is being held Bargarh since 1947. |access-date=18 January 2013 |location=Calcutta, India |date=16 December 2011}}

• Festivals of Odisha
• Bargarh

{{Reflist}}

Booklet brochure published by Dhanuyatra Mahotsav Samiti, Bargarh on the occasion of 65th year, from 6th Jan. 2014 till 16th Jan 2014.

• [http://www.bargarhdhanuyatra.nic.in/ Bargarh Dhanu Yatra, Official website]
• [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=appinventor.ai_pks_tec.DhanuYatra Amar Dhanu Yatra Official App]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100809013443/http://navratnanews.com/Dhanuyatra/index.htm navratnanews.com: Dhanuyatra]
• [https://sambalpuriverse.in/bargarh-dhanu-jatra-2025/ Dhanu Jatra 2025: Bargarh’s Legendary Open-Air Festival]

{{Odia culture}}

{{Western Odisha}}

Category:Festivals in Odisha

Category:Odia culture

Category:January observances

Category:December observances

Category:Hindu festivals