World’s Largest Open Air Theatre ‘Dhanu Yatra’ Begins in Odisha’s Bargarh

The world’s largest open air theatre, Dhanu Yatra, was inaugurated in Bargarh, Odisha. This eleven day cultural festival transforms the town into the mythical city of Mathura, celebrating mythology, tradition, and performance. Celebrated with immense devotion and artistic grandeur, Dhanu Yatra attracts thousands of visitors from across Odisha and other parts of the country.

About Dhanu Yatra

• Duration: Eleven days
• Theme: Mythological re-enactment of Lord Krishna’s life, from his birth to the death of his demon uncle, King Kansa
• Unique Feature: The entire town of Bargarh transforms into the mythical city of Mathura, with streets, palaces, and courtyards turning into live performance spaces.
• Key locations include the Rangamahal and Nanda Raja’s court.

Unlike conventional theatre, Dhanu Yatra blurs the boundary between performers and audience, creating a dynamic, interactive storytelling experience.

Transformation of Bargarh into Mythical Mathura

• During Dhanu Yatra, the town of Bargarh is symbolically transformed into the ancient city of Mathura.
• Streets, palaces, riverbanks and courtyards turn into performance zones, blurring the line between real life and mythology.
• Key locations such as the Rangamahal, Nanda Raja’s court, and public spaces become live stages where episodes from Krishna’s life are enacted in sequence, allowing spectators to witness mythology unfold around them.

Significance

• Cultural Heritage: Preserves and promotes the mythological stories of Lord Krishna in a traditional, community-centered format
• Community Participation: Residents actively participate, playing roles and helping stage performances, fostering local engagement
• Tourism & Economy: Attracts thousands of visitors from Odisha and across India, boosting local tourism and associated economic activity
• Recognition: The Central Government has accorded National Festival status to Dhanu Yatra, highlighting its cultural importance on a national scale

Key Takeaways

• Dhanu Yatra is recognised as the world’s largest open-air theatre.
• It is held annually in Bargarh, Odisha, for 11 days.
• The festival reenacts episodes from the life of Lord Krishna.
• The entire town is transformed into mythological Mathura.
• Dhanu Yatra has been accorded National Festival status.

Question

Q. Where is Dhanu Yatra, the world’s largest open-air theatre, held annually?

A. Puri, Odisha
B. Bargarh, Odisha
C. Bhubaneswar, Odisha
D. Cuttack, Odisha