Sambalpur (Odisha), Jan 2 (PTI) Curtains were drawn onthe famous Dhanu Yatra of Bargarh in Odisha, believed to bethe largest open air theatre in the world, with the death oftyrannical king Kansa and coronation of Ugrasen today.
During the 11-day festival that kicked off onDecember 23, Bargarh town was made to resemble Mathura -- thebirthplace and homeland of Lord Krishna.
The festival is based on Krishna Leela and MathuraVijay.
While river Jeera of Bargarh was made to resembleriver Yamuna, Amapali, located on the outskirts of the town,was transformed into Gopapura. Kansa ruled the small westernOdisha town Bargarh for 11 days. The tyrannical rule of Kansa,his death and the exploits of Lord Krishna were enacted in 14main places in Mathura and Gopapura.
"The annual festival came into being in 1947-48 tocelebrate Indian's Independence and to symbolise the victoryof good over evil," said the Chairman of Dhanu Yatraorganising committee, Sureswar Satpathy.
A highlight of this year's festival was actorBhubaneswar Pradhan playing the role of Kansa after a gap of17 years.
Over 70 artists performed in the Dhanu Yatra atMathura, another 45 artists played different roles at Gopapuraduring the festival, said Satpathy.
This apart, around 3,000 artists of 120 culturaltroupes from across the state and from neighbouring statesperformed at the Raj Durbar, Nanda Durbar and Rangamahalduring the festival.
“During Dhanu Yatra, Kansa moves round the city andand slaps fine on offenders on the streets. He also entersgovernment offices and pulls up officials for lapses. Peoplebecome his obedient subjects. The rule of Kansa symbolises anoppressive rule and the coronation of Ugrasen marks thebeginning of democracy,” Satpathy added. PTI CORR SKNJM.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.