Odisha CM rides elephant as royal guest at Dhanu Yatra

Bhubaneswar/Bargarh: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday turned into a royal guest at the world-famous Dhanu Yatra in Bargarh, the largest open-air theatre festival in the country.The town, which transformed into the mythical Mathura Nagari for the 11-day extravaganza, witnessed a grand spectacle as Majhi arrived to join the celebrations steeped in tradition and cultural heritage.Upon his arrival, the CM was accorded a royal welcome and taken to the demon king Kansa’s palace, the Ranga Mahal, on a majestic elephant ride. Thousands of people lined the streets for a glimpse of the CM waving to the cheering crowd.Dhanu Yatra, which began on Dec 26, recreates episodes from the life of Lord Krishna, turning Bargarh town into Mathura and the nearby Ambapali into Gopapur. The festival draws visitors from across the country for its unique theatrical portrayal of mythological tales in an open-air setting.Speaking on the occasion, Majhi lauded the decades-old tradition for showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural ethos. “Dhanu Yatra is not just a festival; it is a living theatre that binds people through art and devotion,” he said, assuring continued support for promoting the event globally.The CM also laid the foundation stone for several infrastructure projects in the town, which included a permanent Ranga Mahal, redevelopment of the Jeera river and the Bargarh canal.The projects were divided into two categories. In the first category, 38 projects will be executed at Rs 382 crore, while in the second category, 85 projects will be executed at Rs 980 crore.The CM later presented certificates of appreciation to select students from the district who performed extremely well in academics. The CM also felicitated teachers who showed innovation in their teaching methods.Majhi also presented Rs 10,000 (10,000 representative gold coins showcasing the currency that prevailed during King Kansa’s regime) to select artists who are performing in Dhanu Yatra to promote art and culture.The state govt recently announced a hike in allowance for such artistes. The CM’s visit added a political and cultural highlight to the ongoing celebrations, which will conclude on Jan 6 with the slaying of Kansa, marking the triumph of good over evil.