The world-famous Dhanu Yatra, an 11-day epic open-air theatre festival depicting the Krishna-Kansa myth, will begin at Bargarh in Odisha this evening. The annual cultural spectacle brings mythology, tradition and performance together in a unique celebration as the town of Bargarh turns into a living stage. Recognised as the world’s largest open-air theatre, the Yatra features mythological scenes enacted across streets, with the town becoming a stage for Lord Krishna’s arrival and Kansa’s rule, culminating in Kansa’s defeat.

 

The booming laughter of ‘Maharaja Kansa’ echoes across the Bargarh town during the Yatra and transforms it into the ancient city of Mathura. Streets, palaces and courtyards become live performance spaces, including the ‘Rangamahal’ and Nanda Raja’s court, where episodes from the life of Lord Krishna unfold. 

 

Dhanu Yatra, unlike conventional theatre, erases the boundary between actors and audience, and turns the entire Bargarh town into a dynamic storytelling canvas. Thousands of visitors from across Odisha and beyond have congregated at Bargarh to watch the colourful Yatra.