The Durbar of king Kansa and (right) Hrushikesh Bhoi, who performs the role of Kansa in Dhanu yatra, during the rehearsal. Telegraph pictures

Sambalpur, Jan. 6: The famous Dhanu yatra festival, one of the largest open-air theatres that is organised annually, began in Bargarh on Monday.

During the 11-day festival, Bargarh town transforms into Mathura. The river Jeera becomes river Yamuna and Amapali, which is located on the outskirts of Bargarh town, becomes Gopapura.

For the next 11 days the entire town will turn into a theatre stage. Kansa will rule the small town during this period and the local residents will be his obedient subjects.

The rule of Kansa, his death and the exploits of Lord Krishna are going to be enacted in 14 main places in Mathura and Gopapura during the festival.

The demon king Kansa catches offenders on the streets and slaps fine on them. He also enters government offices and pulls up undisciplined officials and listens to the grievances of local people and instructs district administration to take appropriate measures.

Hrushikesh Bhoi is again performing the role of Kansa, which is the most popular character of Dhanu yatra.

Sribansh Mohapatra is playing Lord Krishna while Sreyansh Mohapatra is in the role of Balram in the festival this year.

Pradeep Panda is performing the character Ugrasen.

“This festival came into existence in 1947-48 to celebrate the India’s Independence and victory over British rule. The festival had begun to mark the victory of good over the evil. All the people of Bargarh become artistes during the festival,” said convener campaign committee of Dhanu yatra Surendra Hota.

“The festival will conclude on January 16 with the death of demon king Kansa and coronation of Ugrasen,” said Hota.

Several cultural programmes will also be organised during the festival. Cultural troupes from across the country and from abroad come here to perform during the festival.

“Around 2,800 artistes of more than 100 cultural teams will perform during the festival this year,” said convener of cultural committee of Bargarh Dhanu yatra Gopal Dash.

“A cultural team from Russia is in the town to perform,” he added.

Moreover, on the sidelines of the festival, a state-level handloom exhibition, trade fair Pallishree Mela are also being organised this year. This apart, traditional Meena Bazar is also being organised.

“We find the opportunity to see the performances of eminent artistes during the festival. I am really happy that the Russian artistes will perform in the Dhanu yatra for the second time this year.,” said a local resident Akash Panda.