India | Orissa | Baragarh

Dhanu Yatra Festival




Dhanu Yatra is a unique festival celebrated at Baragarh in Orissa. It reenacts Lord Krishna's visit to Mathura to witness the ceremony of 'Bow' organized by 'Kansa', as described in the Bhagavata Purana.

Dhanu Yatra Festival falls in the months of December or January every year and continues for 11 days. During the festival the entire area of Baragarh is ruled by Kansa. The town of Baragarh becomes Mathura, the river Jira becomes Yamuna and the village 'Amapalli' on the other bank of the river becomes 'Gopa'.

During the festival, different acts of the puranic description are performed in various parts of the region with the entire topography of Baragarh being rendered into the elements of drama. Unlike stage shows, this play moves through different parts of area. The venue changes along with the change in scenes. The crowd puller of the festival is the sight of Kansa touring the area atop a caparisoned elephant along with his minister and soldiers.



Updated on 7th June, 2005
District: Baragarh
Location: Baragarh    

Keyword

Copyright 2014 by Online Highways LLC. Enjoy some India trivia. Send Us Your Comments