Dhanu Yatra Festival
The largest open-air theatre festival "Dhanu Yatra" or "Dhanu Jatra" is celebrated in the town of Bargarh in the state of Odisha, India. It is one of the most significant and unique folk festivals in the country. The festival revolves around the mythological story of Lord Krishna and his demon uncle King Kansa.
The Dhanu Yatra typically takes place for around 11 days, transforming the entire town of Bargarh into a colossal stage. The festival reenacts the events from the life of Lord Krishna, focusing on the episode where Krishna visits his maternal uncle King Kansa's court. The central theme of the festival is the divine play (leela) of Lord Krishna, and the town is turned into the city of Mathura for the duration of the event. Dhanu Yatra ends with the pretend death of King Kansa, showing that good has triumphed over evil. The festival is not just a big cultural celebration; it's also very important for the people in Bargarh and nearby areas because of its religious meaning.