Mamu Gharaku Jatra, a 52-minute documentary on Bargarh Dhanujatra, has been released, showcasing Odisha’s cultural heritage, traditions and folk theatre
OdishaPlus Bureau
Celebrating the timeless spirit of Odisha’s rich heritage and tapestry of India’s cultural unity in diversity, ‘Mamu Gharaku Jatra’ (A Trip to Uncle’s Home), a 52-minute special documentary capturing the grandeur, and traditions of Baragada Dhanujatra was screened at a special function in Bhubaneswar on Saturday (October 3, 2026).
The docu-drama was produced by Odisha’s leading digital media network, OdishaLIVE with support of Mahanadi Coalfields LImited (MCL). The special screening and felicitation ceremony of ‘Mamu Gharaku Jatra’ in Bhubaneswar brought alive the extraordinary cultural legacy of 79 years of this world’s largest open-air theatre offering an immersive journey into the spectacular world of Dhanujatra, the epic tale of Dwapara Yuga between Lord Krishna and King Kansa.
The event was graced by Pradip Purohit, Member of Parliament from Baragada, as the Chief Guest, while noted Ollywood actor Anu Choudhury and Sureshwar Satapathy, Secretary of the Dhanujatra Mahotsava Samiti, joined as Special Invitees. The occasion witnessed the presence of eminent personalities, senior government officials, distinguished artists, intellectuals, media professionals and leading figures from the worlds of art, literature, culture and other walks of life.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Pradip Purohit expressed his happiness over the making of the documentary and underscored its importance as a lasting record of the festival’s history and traditions. He expressed hope that Mamu Gharaku Jatra would achieve widespread recognition, reach audiences across the world and serve as a valuable resource for future filmmakers, researchers and historians seeking to understand the rich legacy of the festival.
Welcoming the distinguished guests and participants, Nilambar Rath, CEO of OdishaLIVE and Producer of the documentary, highlighted the platform’s sustained commitment to documenting, preserving and promoting Odisha’s cultural heritage.
“Bargarh Dhanujatra is a remarkable expression of Odisha’s art, culture, heritage and folk traditions. It is a living cultural phenomenon where history, mythology, theatre and community life come together in a way that is truly unique. Our endeavour is to take the extraordinary traditions, everyday life and untold cultural stories of Dhanujatra to audiences across India and around the world. We believe that preserving such living heritage is not merely about documenting the past; it is about inspiring future generations to appreciate, celebrate and carry forward the cultural richness of our country,” said Rath.
The programme also featured the unveiling of the documentary’s official poster in the presence of the distinguished guests. The occasion paid heartfelt tribute to the generations of artists, performers, organisers and creative minds whose dedication and passion have sustained Baragada Dhanujatra as one of India’s most distinctive cultural celebrations.
Bhubaneswar Pradhan, who portrayed the character of Maharaj Kansa in Bargarh Dhanujatra from 1998 to 2000, 2017 to 2020 and again in 2025, was specially honoured. Several senior artists, child artistes, directors and members of the documentary’s production team were also felicitated.
The documentary was directed by Suresh Patnaik, with Pranati Parida, Director of OdishaLIVE, serving as Co-producer. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Bhabani Prasad Mahanty, Director of OdishaLIVE.
The global digital premiere of Mamu Gharaku Jatra is now available on the OdishaLIVE YouTube channel, opening the doors to this extraordinary cultural experience for audiences in India and across the globe. The digital release marks an important step towards taking the living traditions of Bargarh Dhanujatra beyond regional boundaries, connecting people across cultures and generations through the universal language of art, storytelling and shared heritage.