No New Artistes In This Year’s Dhanu Jatra

Bargarh: The controversy over selection process of artistes for the main characters of world famous Dhanu Jatra in Bargarh was put to rest with the working committee finally deciding not to change the artistes for the open air theatre this year at a meeting on Thursday.

The decision to cancel selection of new artistes was taken in the meeting chaired by the district Collector of Bargarh which has now paved the way for Bhubaneswar Pradhan to portray the character of Kansa at least for one more year.

Bargarh Collector Jyoti Ranjan Pradhan said, “We received letters from various organisations and individuals requesting us to cancel selection of new artistes this year and so we have decided to honour their request.”

Notably, the selection of the artistes for the open-air theatre is done for a period of three years. The last selection of actors was done in November 2017, which implies that one year is still left in the tenure of the artistes. But, the administration’s decision to rope in other actors in the lead role at the final stages of preparation for the event had raised questions.

Several organisations and notable personalities including famous Sambalpuri poet Haladhar Nag recently came forward to oppose the decision of the administration in this regard.

Meanwhile, expressing gratitude over the development, Bhubaneswar Pradhan, who played the role of demon Kansa during the last two editions of Dhanu Jatra said, “I thank the people of Bargarh to have put faith on me again. I am too happy to get the opportunity to be a part of Dhanu Jatra once again.”

Sources informed that the holy pillar for the open air play, which commences from the New Year eve, will be established on 1st December 2019.