In a grand cultural spectacle, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi participated as a royal guest in the world-renowned Dhanu Yatra festival in Bargarh on Tuesday. The event, celebrated as the country's largest open-air theatre festival, saw the entire town transformed into the mythical kingdom of Mathura for its 11-day run.
A Royal Welcome on Elephant Back
Upon his arrival, Chief Minister Majhi was given a traditional welcome fit for royalty. He was taken to the festival's central venue, the Ranga Mahal representing demon king Kansa's palace, in a majestic elephant procession. Thousands of enthusiastic spectators lined the streets of Bargarh, cheering and waving as the CM greeted the crowd. The festival, which began on December 26, recreates episodes from the life of Lord Krishna, with Bargarh symbolizing Mathura and the nearby Ambapali area becoming Gopapur.
Major Infrastructure Push and Global Promotion Pledge
Speaking at the event, CM Majhi praised the decades-old Dhanu Yatra for embodying Odisha's rich cultural heritage. "Dhanu Yatra is not just a festival; it is a living theatre that binds people through art and devotion," he stated. He assured the government's continued support to promote this unique cultural event on a global scale.
Significantly, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a series of key infrastructure projects in the town, with a total investment running into hundreds of crores. The projects were divided into two major categories:
- Category 1: 38 projects to be executed at a cost of ₹382 crore.
- Category 2: 85 projects to be executed at a cost of ₹980 crore.
Among the highlighted developments are the construction of a permanent Ranga Mahal structure and the redevelopment of the Jeera river and the Bargarh canal.
Honoring Excellence in Education and Art
The Chief Minister's visit also included a ceremony to recognize and reward local talent. Majhi presented certificates of appreciation to select students from the district who have excelled academically. Teachers who demonstrated innovation in their teaching methods were also felicitated.
In a special gesture to support the performing arts, the CM presented ₹10,000 each to select artists participating in the Dhanu Yatra. The cash award was symbolically given in the form of 10,000 representative gold coins, showcasing the currency believed to be in use during King Kansa's regime. This move aligns with the state government's recent announcement of an increased allowance for such artists.
The festival, which adds a significant political and cultural dimension to the state's calendar, is set to conclude on January 6 with the symbolic slaying of Kansa, representing the victory of good over evil.
