Bargarh Dhanu Jatra: Administration Puts Fest On Hold Amid COVID19 Concern

The famous Dhanu Jatra in Bargarh, world's largest open-air theatre, has been put on hold this year due to the prevailing Covid19 situation.

The decision to postpone the 11-day festival was taken in the executive committee meeting of the Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav Samiti (DYMS) chaired by Bargarh District Collector and DYMS Director Monisha Banerjee on Friday.

“According to a notice issued by the district administration, the existing Covid guidelines of the State government do not allow for the large crowds seen during Dhanu Jatra. As a result, the event has been put on hold for the time being. However, If the Covid situation improves by next month and the January guidelines permit the event to be held, the DYMS will meet again to discuss about the celebration of the Dhanu Jatra.”, said Banerjee.

Sureswar Satpathy, Secretary of DYMS said, “Considering the prevailing situation, organizing the event is difficult. Thus we have put the celebration on hold. If the situation improves in January, we will hold another meeting to decide about the events.”

It is pertinent to mention here that, Dhanu Jatra was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.