Odishatv Bureau

Bargarh: The reign demon king ‘Kansa’ began as the 68th edition of the world famous Dhanu Yatra kicked off today in Bargarh town. ‘Kansa’s rule will continue till January 12.

For this enactment of mythological anecdote of Krishna Leela and Mathura Vijay, the Bargarh town has adorned the guise of Mathura Nagar, while Ambapalli has been decked up as Gopapura.

Bargarh town has been decorated as Mathurapuri, the capital city of Kansa’s kingdom while the Hatapada will feature the tyrant king’s Raj Darbar (Royal Court).  The ‘Rangmahal’ has been set up at the Lokmandap field of Nishamani School.

The proceedings began after a procession featuring a troupe of more than twenty cultural groups was taken out from local Gandhi Square till the Samaleswari temple. After completion of rituals at the temple, the procession went to the Raj Darbar.

Also Read: Hrusikesh Bhoi, who has been playing the role of ‘Kansa’ in Dhanu Yatra apologises…

The first day of the yatra today will feature Devaki-Basudev marriage, beginning of Kansa’s reign after Ugrasen’s defeat, and Devaki & Basudev’s imprisonment.

In a bid to maintain law and order during the festival 12 platoons of police force has been deployed.

“As per the rituals, the Dhanu Yatra will continue for 11 days. All our preparations have reached the final stages and we have made foolproof arrangements,” informed Bargarh Collector, Anjan Kumar Manik who inaugurated the festival.

“The world famous festival will continue till January 12. We have made elaborate security arrangements. We have deployed around 12 platoons of force along with 6 DSPs, 10 inspectors and 29 sub-inspectors will be on duty during the yatra. We hope this programme will pass off peacefully” said Bargarh SP, B Jugal Kishore.

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