Published Paper Details:

Dhanuyatra of Bargarh is the oldest and the most famous one. Every year in the month of Pausa (December-January) it is celebrated for eleven days of the month from the 5th day of the bright fortnight till the full moon day. For this occasion, the town of Bargarh becomes the city of Mathura, the river Jeera becomes the river Yamuna and Ambapali situated on the other side of Jeera becomes Gopapura. For eleven days the entire Bargarh town transformed into a very big stage even though the story of Kansa, his ill-treatment to Krushna and his death are enacted in 14 main places at Mathura and 4 main places in Gopa. This mass festival, which came into existence in 1948 with the inertia of festive mood due to celebration of Indian Independence and victory over British rule, symbolically shows the victory of Lord Krishna, the embodiment of truth, justice and righteousness over Kansa who personifies arrogance and wickedness. This festival has earned its fame in the World as much due to the separate stage along with movable stage used to show the mythological story as also due to the special involvement of the entire populace in the process. Therefore, this festival is rightly called the greatest play in the world enacted in the biggest open-air theatre.