Hrushikesh Bhoi dressed as Kansa at the inaugural evening of Dhanu yatra in Bargarh on Thursday.

The 11-day extravaganza, believed to be the world's largest open-air theatre show, will draw to an end on January 24 with the death of the mythical character.

The inaugural day was marked by the wedding of Basudeb and Debaki followed by dethroning of King Ugrasen and coronation of Kansa. During this time, the small town of Bargarh transforms into Mathura as if it is caught in a time warp. River Jeera becomes Yamuna and Amapali located on its edge is the Gopapura. For 11 days, episodes of Dhanu yatra are enacted at various locations in the town. Kansa rules the small town and its residents are his obedient subjects. The rule of Kansa, his death and the exploits of Lord Krishna are enacted at 14 locations during the festival.

While the central character of Kansa is being played by Hrushikesh Bhoi, Sreyansh Mohapatra essays the role of Lord Krishna and Srivansh Mohapatra plays Balaram. "This festival came into existence in 1947-48 to mark the country's Independence," said secretary of the Dhanu Yatra Committee Sureswar Satpathy.

Text by Subrat Mohanty, Telegraph picture