Sambalpur: Stage is set for the 11-day dhanu yatra which is set to begin on Saturday.

Krishna Leela and Mathura Vijay are the central themes of the festival and the first day will begin with wedding of King Kansa's sister Devaki with Basudev. After the marriage, Kansa moved towards the durbar of his father Ugrasen and dethrones him to capture the kingdom.

Dhanu yatra will conclude with Kansa Badha, killing of demon king Kansa at the hands of Lord Krishna.

On the opening day, a huge colourful procession, accompanied by folk dancers and musicians, will reach the Kansa durbar at Hatpada from the Samaleswari temple.

During the yatra, the district headquarters town Bargarh turns into a virtual Mathura of the mythology with Kansa ruling the roost. Dressed in full regalia, he moves round the town on a caparisoned elephant issuing order and pulling up errant officials, including collectors and high police personnel.

This time, the organisers had selected Bhubaneswar Pradhan after a series of stage selection to perform the role of Kansa. He was selected among 23 strong aspirants.

Dhanu yatra is considered to be the biggest open air theatre in the world with the whole town decked up as Mathura and everybody considered them selves as an actor. Since the portrayal of Kansa is the main attraction of the festival, every artist worth his salt aspires to essay the role.

The geographical setting of Bargarh muncipal limits also conforms to Mathura where King Kansa ruled. The river Jeera represents the Yamuna across which situated Ambapali village which turns into Gopapur where Krishna was brought up.

Massive preparations have been taken up by the district administration and Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav Samiti for smooth celebration of the annual festival. Sureswara Satpathy, president of the organising committee, said: "Various state-level cultural troupes, including local residents, will take part in the cultural events organised at the main venue Hatpada."