Experience the Magic of Bargarh Dhanujatra: Odisha’s Unique Cultural Extravaganza Known as the Largest Open Air Theatre Tradition
Kapilas Bhuyan
Tucked away in the agriculture-rich town of Bargarh in Western Odisha, lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored – the Dhanujatra. This annual spectacle, which takes place over 11 days, is a mesmerizing blend of mythology, theater, and community celebration. The 77th edition of Bargarh Dhanujatra is now going to take place from 3rd to 13th January 2025 over 11 days.
“The 77th Edition of Bargarh Dhanujatra is being made more appealing for people from all corners of the country coming to witness this grand spectacle. Alongside the Bargarh Dhanujatra, we have the Pallishree Mela and Meena Bazaar to further engage the visitors and audience members. Moreover, each evening of the Dhanujatra will be marked by cultural performances to augment the festive ambience. I appeal the people of Bargarh and all others to come and experience this festival in its full glory”, informs Aditya Goyal, the Collector of Bargarh District.
Now that the agriculture yielding season is over people rejoice with fun and frolic, and the rule of Kansa, the mythical demon King of Dwapar Yuga appeals to people with its spectacular entertainment. What has been initially a local celebration has grown to a massive spectacle attracting visitors from all over, from within and outside the country as well.
A Mythological Backdrop
“As per the mythology, King Kansa had been a despotic ruler of Mathura Kingdom who had put his sister Devaki and brother-in-law Vasudev behind bars by unfair means. In order to eliminate legal inheritance of Devaki’s offsprings he used to kill all her newborn babies inside the jail. But Lord Krishna as an exception escaped from his wrath and was taken to Gopapura where he grew up to kill Kansa later” – this is a story of good prevailing over the evil in the line of most mythological narratives in our country.
Bargarh Dhanujatra is based on the mythological story of King Kansa, the despotic ruler of Mathura Kingdom. The story revolves around Kansa’s cruelty and his eventual downfall at the hands of Lord Krishna. The town of Bargarh transforms into the Kingdom of Mathura, while the adjacent village of Ambapalli becomes Gopapur. The river Jeera flowing between them is believed to be the sacred river Jamuna.
The Origin
It started in a small way in 1947 after India got its independence from the British Rule. Portraying the British Ruler as despotic as King Kansa, the Dhanujatra started as a fitting metaphorical celebration. “As an agrarian society our earlier generation thought of celebrating Dhanujatra during the auspicious agricultural occasion ‘Pushpuni as a mark of victory over the British rule”, says Sureswar Satpathy, Secretary Bargarh Dhanuyatra Mahotsav Samiti, while speaking to OdishaPlus.
A Theatrical Spectacle Like No Other
What sets Bargarh Dhanujatra apart is its unique theatrical performance. With no written script, over 700 artists, including 170 main characters, come together to recreate the mythological story. The performances take place at 22 locations across the town, turning Bargarh into the largest open-air theater arena in the country and probably the whole wide world!
The main characters throw their dialogues extemporaneously during the performance. “Baragarh Dhanujatra has become a trend-setter in Western Odisha and in some parts of Jharkhand for unscripted theater performance over the years”, reiterates Sureswar Satpathy.
The Protagonist: King Kansa
Despite being a negative character, Kansa Maharaja is considered a protagonist – in today’s parlance may be an anti-hero. Although he is finally killed by the brothers-duo Krishna-Balarama, however, during the 11-day performance, he is considered the supreme character of the Bargarh Dhanujatra.
“…Be it business people or administrators, most people assume themselves as the law-abiding citizens under the rule of King Kansa and like to follow all his commands, this no doubt establishes the importance of King Kansa during these 11 days”, says Mr Satpathy.
Maharaja Kansa Over the Years
In the initial years, late Bunde Rath of Deogaon had played the character of Maharaja Kansa for two consecutive years and succeeded by Bhimasen Tripathy. Yudhithir Satpathy enacted as Kansa Maharaja for 23 years from 1957 to 1980 barring only in 1973 when Debendra Biswal replaced him. While Nilachal Dash of Sohela replaced Yudhisthir in 1981, the illustrious Gopal Sahu took charge from 1984 till 2008, barring only for two years in 1999 and 2000.
In between, Bhubaneswar Pradhan enacted the character but soon lost people’s appreciation. However, he was given the opportunity again in 2017. Then came Hrushikesh Bhoi who had succeeded Gopal Sahu and played the character for 8 years since 2009. Currently the central character of Kansa Maharaja is performed by Bhubaneswar Pradhan.
“We are at the final stage of our preparation, and so we are ready, artists are ready, ‘darabar’ (king’s court) is ready, elephants, horses and chariots are ready. So, we are waiting for the big day when the Dhanujatra kickstarts”, eagerly expresses Bhubaneswar Pradhan who is going to perform the character of Kansa Maharaj in the 77th edition of the Dhanujatra.
A Celebration of Community and Culture
Bargarh Dhanujatra is more than just a theatrical performance – it’s a celebration of community and culture. The festival has been a part of Bargarh’s tradition for over 76 years, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond. The Odisha government has recognized Bargarh Dhanujatra as a major cultural tradition of the state, providing financial support to ensure its continuation.
Every year, the performers used to participate willingly against meager payments by the organizers. This time round however, artists playing different important characters are going to be paid an incentive of Rs. 10,000/- each as a welfare measure.
Moreover, funds are pumped in to improve the look of the Bargarh Dhanujatra by means of decorations of the town, costumes and properties of the performers, etc. Simultaneous LCD projections and live telecast of performances are initiated to engage audiences world over for wider appreciation.
Special Attractions in the 77th Edition
This year’s edition of Bargarh Dhanujatra promises to be even more spectacular, with several special attractions. The state government has increased the grant amount to Rs. 1.5 crore, which will be used to enhance the quality of the performance.
Moreover, the state government through the District Administration has made elaborate arrangement for wide public outreach of the festival of Dhanujatra in the local and national media. A wide media coverage of this mega open air theatre tradition is also being facilitated by the District Administration of Bargarh.
Additionally, the National School of Drama (NSD) will be documenting the festival. Additionally, UNESCO has been approached to recognize Bargarh Dhanujatra as a World Heritage Tradition.
A Message for the Modern World
In an era marked by conflict and power struggles, Bargarh Dhanujatra serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the dangers of unchecked power. As the world grapples with the challenges of ego and power equations, this unique cultural extravaganza offers a message of hope and redemption.
Experience the Magic of Dhanujatra
The 77th edition of Bargarh Dhanujatra will take place from January 3rd to 13th, 2025. If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, Bargarh is the place to be. Come and immerse yourself in the magic of Dhanujatra, and be a part of this incredible celebration of community, culture, and theater.
(The writer is a Senior Journalist and National Award-winning Filmmaker. Views expressed are personal.)
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