Indian mythology is incomplete without mentioning the name of Lord Krishna. It is a name that the Hindus profoundly worship. And Dhanu Yatra or Dhanu Jatra is all about knowing the spiritual being who walked upon this Earth a few thousand years ago. This festival celebrates and depicts the Lord in full glory. It is held sometime in the month of December or January in Bargarh, Orissa.
Dhanu Yatra is an annual open-air theatrical performance, and the theatre where it is performed is spread across a radius of about 8 km. Interestingly, it is also the world’s largest open-air theatre.
History of Dhanu Yatra Bargarh
Many people believe that Dhanu Yatra has been a way of celebrating the freedom of the newly formed India, the end of Kansa signifying the vanquished Britishers. It is said that this tradition of the Dhanu Jatra festival was started by a few labour-class workers sometime in 1948.
Dhanu Jatra Festival | Date, Time & Venue
Held in the Pushya month as per the Hindu calendar that coincides with December or January, Dhanu Jatra is an 11-day long festival. This biggest open-air theatre festival is held in the Bargarh district in Odisha. Dhanu Yatra 2023-2024 will be organised from December 28, 2023, to January 6, 2024.
Major Attractions of Dhanu Yatra Festival 2023 - 2024
With the onset of this festival, one can witness many tourists and devotees flocking to the region to witness a slice of the life of their beloved Lord Krishna. The event is sprinkled throughout with various local performances.
1. Theme
The festival's theme is based on Krishna Leela and his conquering Mathura. The enactment of this event starts with the wedding of Kansa’s sister Devaki followed by Kansa’s accession to the throne, then dethroning of his father, and finally, after a chain of events ending with Kansa Vadh. It truly is a visual delight as the whole episode is depicted scene by scene, giving a chance to the devotees to relish in the Leela of their lord, the supreme being Krishna.
2. Bargarh Municipality
During this festival, the Bargarh Municipality limits and conforms Mathurapuri to the kingdom of Kansa temporarily. The river Jeera represents the mighty Yamuna across the village of Ambapali. Celebrated for a period of about 11 days, this festival successfully recreates the magic of ancient times for the joy of devotees.
How to Reach Dhanu Jatra Festival 2023 - 2024
Bargarh might not get the limelight tourism-wise, but it still has a fair share of tourist attractions that will stay in your heart forever. Some of them are Debrigarh, Nrusinghanath Temple, and Baseikela Gada. You can reach here conveniently by airways, roadways, and railways. Below are some of the best travel options you must consider when planning a visit to Bargarh.
- Nearest Major City. Raipur
- Nearest Airport. Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur
- Nearest Railway Station. Bargarh Railway Station
- Distance from Raipur. 210 km
By Air
Bargarh doesn’t have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is situated in Raipur, situated at an approximate distance of about 210 km. Named the Swami Vivekananda Airport, it is fairly well connected with other Indian cities. You can hire a taxi from the airport or take a local bus to reach Bargarh.
- Distance from Swami Vivekanand Airport. 210 km
By Train
Bargarh Road railway station is the nearest to reach Bargarh. The station is 2km from the main town hence you can take a taxi or bus to reach the desired destination. Hire a cab or a taxi to reach your destination.
- Distance from Bargarh Road Railway Station. 2 km
By Road
Bargarh is well-connected with other Indian cities via well-maintained road networks. You can also consider travelling by govt run and private inter-state tourist buses. The following approximate distance and the route can be considered if you arrive from nearby prominent cities and states.
- Distance from Raigarh. 85 km
- Distance from Korba. 144 km
- Distance from Raurkela. 165 km
- Distance from Bilaspur. 206 km
- Distance from Cuttack. 307 km
- Distance from Puri. 383 km
- Distance from Bhubaneswar. 354 km
- Distance from Delhi. 1386 km
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dhanu Jatra 2023
Ques 1. Where is the Dhanu Jatra festival celebrated?
Ans 1. The famous Dhanu Jatra festival is celebrated in Bargarh, Odisha. It is an 11-day-long festival.
Ques 2. How is the Dhanu Jatra festival celebrated?
Ans 2. Dhanu Yatra is an annual open-air theatrical performance, and the theatre where it is performed is spread across a radius of about 8 km. Interestingly, it is also the world’s largest open-air theatre. The stories related to Lord Krishna’s life are enacted during this festival.
Ques 3. Why Dhanu Jatra festival is celebrated?
Ans 3. Jatra is all about knowing the spiritual being who walked upon this Earth a few thousand years ago. This festival celebrates and depicts the Lord in full glory.
