Dhanu Yatra is one of the famous festivals of Bargarh, Odisha. Dhanu Yatra is all about the transaction of a rich traditional history or story of Lord Krishna into a cultural event. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is Asia’s biggest open-air theatre. This continues for eleven days in so many places of Bargarh. This is a folk culture of Odisha, which is based on Lord Krishna. Kansa is the central attraction of the drama. Villagers take part in as cast.
History of Bargarh Dhanu Yatra
Around 3000 people take part in the drama. It is held in Pousa month in December-January. This commences on the day of the full moon of Pousa month, i.e., on the 6th day. People celebrate this festival after harvesting in the Pousa month.
They follow a saying from ancient mythology, “Kansa rajar bansha Budu, Kansa male kheema ladu” (let the dynasty of king Kansa come to an end, we shall take sweets when Kansa dies). And the day of Pousa Purnima Kansa dies.
This festival gives a valuable lesson about Lord Krishna, his lifestyle, morality, and devotion. The whole drama has a special act of “Bhavas”, which is played on Krishna’s life, Krishna and Balaram’s visit to Mathura, death of King Kansa. The drama is played without written scrips. The festival starts with “Rajasuya Yajna” to give honor to the king. It is nowadays also performed in other cities in Odisha. In the middle of the drama, Kansa punishes people for their mistakes. Once, Biju Patnaik and his wife were fined for their mistakes.
Dhanu Yatra itself is based on the tradition of ancient times. Krishna’s life, how Kansa tried to murder him, How Balaram and Krishna came to visit Mathura, his childhood, his life, and how Krishna won over Kansa, all are at the center of this folk drama. It is said by some people that, it was started in 1948 by labor class people. They wanted to be independent and celebrate their freedom from British rulers, so they started this drama. That win over Kansa symbolized a win over the British.
Why Dhanu yatra festival is celebrated?
Dhanu Yatra festival is a celebration of good over evil powers. It is acted on the basic story of the victory of Krishna against Kansa, who planned to murder Krishna. The drama is played to remind the significance of the morals, and principles, of Krishna’s work.
It is celebrated to give tribute to Lord Krishna. It reminds the universality of good virtues. The festival also provides social unity and creates a sense of pride. It also promotes heritage tourism. To attend this festival thousands of people gathered together to attend this festival.
People forget about their backgrounds and come together to enjoy themselves. The festival is also another place where local artists can show their talents through drama.
Who started Dhanu Yatra?
It is said that Dhanu Yatra initially was started in 1915-16 by Gountia Lakshapati Dash, who was a doctor and also a devotee of Lord Krishna. It is also said that the labor class workers, who are also the devotees of Lord Krishna, started Dhanu Yatra on Monday, Sukla Pratipada, 12/01/1948. And it ended on Pousa Purnima, 26/1/1948.
The cast included Kangali Nayak, Bipin Saraf, Gopal Saraf, Nilamani Pujari, Siba Sarangi, Basudev Podh, Kapileswar Dash, Raghumani Dash, Sankar Dash, Bandhu Mohapatra, Chandramani Dash, Dhanu Pradhan, Lalitmohan Sahoo, Dhanapati Birtia, Ram Bhoi, Ratan Darji, Aparti Panigrahi, Krushnachandra Nayak, Rushav Kar, Pranbandhu Kar, Til Pradhan, Brindaban Bisi, Duti Sahoo, Ram Krushna Hota, Bishnu Pradhan, and others.
The festival was begun at midnight and ended at 9:00 PM. Some said that the festival was started in 1944 by Sri Bidyadhar Naik. It was organized in Bhatli, a place near Bargarh.
How Dhanu Yatra its Celebrated
Devotees of Lord Krishna started to talk to “Brindavan” in the 18th century. They believed in the traditional phenomenon and took the whole idea from Mathura and started portraying it at that time. As it would give life to the drama.
Dhanu Yatra gives life to ancient mythological stories. To celebrate the festival whole of Bargarh transformed into the historical town of Mathura. Jeera River turns into Yamuna. As Jeera River is also situated at the west of Bargarh like Yamuna also situated at the west of Mathura.
Ambapali village turns into Gorapura, as Ambapali is situated in the West of Jeera River, like Gorappura situated in the west of Yamuna. Hatpada transforms into Darbar. The scene of “Arrival of Akrura” is played in Brundaban field of Gopapur. Ambapali chalk was transformed into “Biday Mandap”. Fakira Bandh of Ambapali village was transformed into Kaliya Dalan.
Samaleswari temple, Taliapada, Bargarh was transformed into Karagar. Ramaji temple, Talipada, Bargarh is portrayed as the marriage mandap. There is a pond located at the side of Jeera River which is turned into Kalindi Lake.
Nishamani School Ground has been used as a stage of the festival since 2005. The daily market area is used as the main stage of the festival. There are also many temporary stages built up in the town. People also perform traditional “Sanchar” dance forms.
Local people dress up as a character of historical stories in colorful costumes. The festival starts with a ritual of honoring the king who played the role of Lord Krishna, “Rajasuya Yajna”. Day by day they played the acts of various episodes of Lord Krishna’s life.
They play Kansa’s rules, Krishna’s birth, Govardhan Puja, Ras Leela, and lastly about the Kansa’s defeat. There are no restrictions on everyday life. They play all the parts in different places of Bargarh. And transform the whole Bargarh into a stage.
In the time of the drama, Kansa goes and punishes people, also goes to the govt offices and punishes individuals. And everybody obeys him. To maintain rules and regulations the festival is now arranged under the district administration. Around 3500 artists and 130 cultural groups take part in the festival.
Highlights of Dhanu Yatra
- Dhanu Yatra holds cultural and religious significance. It is played on Krishna’s life. It is celebrated for 11 days long. This festival gives life to the ancient history of the town of Bargarh by transforming it into the legendary city of Mathura. Locals play roles of Lord Krishna, Kansa, Balaram, Devki, Basudeva, Yashoda, and other various characters from Krishna’s tale.
- The festival is based on the theme of Krishna Leela. The plays start with the marriage of Devki to Basudeva and end with Kansa Badh.
- It also serves as a tourist attraction in Odisha. Thousands of people gather together to have an unforgettable experience.
- It is known as “Dhanu Yatra” as it is celebrated in between “Dhanu Sankranti” and Makar Sankranti. There is another story that Kansa had invited Krishna and Balaram to the festival of Dhanu Yatra to murder them.
- Locals and participants wear colorful costumes to portray the characters. Also, the city Bargarh transforms into Mathura and the Jeera River into Yamuna.
- People also perform various folk dances, music, and folk arts like “Sanchar”, “Sambalpuri”, “Dalkhai”, and “Bahak Gahak”. At the time of performing, Bahak, who hold mrudangam, keeps explaining all the theme by dancing and singing. Which is known as a Trimukhi form of art.
- One of the most significant parts of the drama is Ras Leela, depicting the love of Krishna for his Gopis.
- At the time of the festival, Bargarh town was projected as the Durbar of Kans. And one elephant is hired to roam to portray this.
- Dhanu Yatra is also known for its unique largest cast. People from the residents, as well as the visitors, can take part in this drama. Female characters are played by the male in the drama. Without any script, preparations whole drama is played. Two directors for Mathura and Gopapur take an active part in this festival. Also, there are two different selection committees for these places in case of selecting the actors.
- The folk drama takes place within 8km of Bargarh.
- On the last day of Dhanu Yatra, the actor who played Kansa in the drama, visits Puri and takes a bath in the sea. Then visits Jagannath temple to apologize for his role.
Dhanu Yatra 2023
Dhanu Yatra was held from the 26th of December to the 6th of January.
Dhanu Yatra 2022
Dhanu Yatra started on the 27th of December and ended on the 5th of January. To make it memorable President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present.
Dhanu Yatra 2024
Next Dhanu Yatra will be celebrated from 16th January to 25th January.
How to participate in Dhanu Yatra
Dhanu Yatra is celebrated in Bargarh, Odisha. Everybody from locals to visitors wears colorful dresses like the characters of Mathura. People from the village as well as the visitors from all over the world can take part in the drama. All people have a role to play. People also perform folk dances, songs, and various folk-art forms.
How to Reach Bargarh
Bargarh is located 78.9km away from Balangir and 227km from Raipur and 315.7km from Bhubaneswar. To reach Bargarh trains, air, and buses all are available.
How to reach Bargarh by Air
Regular air connections between Bargarh and other significant cities in the nation are poor. By making a flight reservation, you can get to Ranchi. By using a railway, you may go from Ranchi to Bargarh. Train travel from Ranchi to Bargarh takes around 5 hours and 53 minutes. From Ranchi, take a train to Bargarh, where you can disembark. A railway ticket costs around Rs. 191
How to reach Bargarh by Train
There are better ways to travel to Bargarh here. Three times every day, Indian Railways runs a train between Bhubaneswar and Bargarh Road. A ticket will set you back between Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 for a 5h 25m trip.
How to reach Bargarh by Bus
Bus to Bargarh is the fastest and least expensive way to travel from Bhubaneshwar to that location. It takes 13h 30m.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Dhanu Yatra well-known?
A drama-based outdoor theatrical performance known as Dhanu Jatra or Dhanu Yatra is held annually in Bargarh, Odisha. It is the largest open-air theater in the world, with an 8 km radius surrounding the Bargarh municipality, and it is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.
What does the Dhanu Yatra mean?
The Dhanu Yatra of Orissa is based on the legend of Krishna, who traveled to Mathura to observe firsthand the “Bow” ceremony that Kansa, the then-King of Mathura, had planned. The bow is what the word “Dhanu” signifies. The festival is held in Orissa’s Sambalpur District.
The Dhanu Yatra lasts for how many days?
Dhanu Jatra, an 11-day celebration, is held in the Pushya month of the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to December or January. The largest outdoor theater event is conducted in Odisha’s Bargarh district. The Dhanu Yatra 2023–2024 will take place from December 28–January 6 of that year.
What is the Dhanu Yatra’s history?
The massive outdoor theater known as Dhanu Yatra was first presented in 1948 to commemorate Indian freedom. People acted out Lord Krishna’s victory over Kansa, who represents pride and evil, since they were in a festive mood and believed that he represented truth, justice, and righteousness.
What does the name Dhanu Yatra mean?
It is held during the Hindu month of Dhanu/Pousa (December–January), as was already noted. From Pousa Sukla Sasthi Tithi, which is the sixth day of the brilliant fortnight of Pousa, to Pousa Purnima, which is the day of the full moon in Pousa, it is observed. over Kansa, who personifies haughtiness and arrogance.