Part of the rangoli in Bargarh. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, Dec. 30: School and college students of Bargarh depicted the theme and various mythological characters of Dhanu yatra, which is scheduled to begin on January 6, through a huge rangoli on Sunday.

The 250-feet long and 25-feet wide artwork was prepared in front of the Bargarh Women’s College along the main road of the town. Around 340 students from various schools and colleges of Bargarh had assembled to create the giant artwork.

“The exercise was done to welcome the Dhanu Yatra and to popularise the festival, which is considered the largest open air theatre in the world. It will also create interest towards the traditional art among the people,” said convenor of the campaign committee of Dhanu Yatra Suendra Hota.

The Dhanu Yatra, which will begin here in Bargarh on January 6, will end on January 16. With the beginning of the festival, Bargarh town transforms into the kingdom of demon king Kansa, Mathura. The river Jeera becomes the Yamuna River and Amapali, located on the outskirts of Bargarh and on the other side of the Jeera, transforms into Gopapura. For 11 days, the whole of Bargarh town is transformed into a very big stage. The festival begins with the coronation of the demon king Kansa and concludes with his death. The tyrannical rule of Kansa, his death and the exploits of Lord Krishna are enacted during the festival.

“The entire episode of Mathura Vijay and Krishna Leela was drawn with multi-coloured powder (rangoli) outside the women’s college. From welcoming people to the Yatra to episodes including Putna Badha, Kalia Dalan and Vastra Haran, the frolicking of young Lord Krishna and different dance forms by troupes from across the country were depicted through the huge artwork,” said Hota.

Students from Panchayat College, Bargarh Women’s College, Trust Fund College, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Vikash Educational Institutions and Rotary Public School of Bargarh help make the rangoli, which drew a large crowd.

“It is really a great effort,” said Manisha Mohapatra, who had come to see the rangoli.

“Apart from depicting the main characters of the Dhanu Yatra festival, the Rangoli also depicted the euphoric mood of the viewers, their happiness and excitement,” said Manisha.