Bargarh Dhanu Jatra: Stage set for fest to kick off today

Bargarh: The World famous Dhanu Jatra is all set to kick off at Bargarh today with all the rituals completed before Goddess ‘Samaleswari’- the presiding deity of Western Odisha.

Tagged as the world's biggest open air theatre, the 11-day-long festival, organised by the Dhanu Jatra Mahotsav Samiti is likely to attract visitors from across the state, country and all over the world in huge numbers to witness the popular King Kansa rule.

Reportedly, Bargarh would turn into the city of Mathura, river Jeera will become river Yamuna for the acts and Ambapali situated on the other side of Jeera will convert into Gopapura, the land of Lord Krishna's parents, during the festival.

“Walls of every house have been decorated with colourful paintings depicting various activities of Lord Krishna and Balaram. Villagers have invited their relatives to witness the famous fair. Everyone is waiting for the auspicious moment,” said Satya Narayan Podha, a resident of Ambapali who is playing the role of Nanda Raja.