The much-awaited Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav 2025, regarded as the world’s largest open-air theatre festival, is all set to begin from December 24 in Bargarh, Odisha. The 11-day cultural extravaganza will transform the entire town of Bargarh into a grand mythological stage, depicting the timeless tale of Krishna Leela and Mathura Vijay. The festival will continue till January 3, 2025, drawing lakhs of devotees, tourists, and art lovers from across India and abroad.

The preparations for Dhanu Yatra began with a high-level preparatory meeting chaired by Bargarh Collector and Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav Committee President Aditya Goyal. The meeting, held on Monday evening, focused on several key aspects, including security arrangements, artist selection, budget allocation, infrastructure development, and crowd management. Both Advisory and Executive Committee members were present to finalize the groundwork for the smooth conduct of this globally renowned festival.

A major highlight of Dhanu Yatra 2024 will be the introduction of new actors for the iconic roles of King Kansa, his ministers, and other central characters. This decision aims to bring fresh energy and new interpretations to the age-old tradition that has been celebrated for over seven decades. Collector Aditya Goyal announced that a five-member jury committee, led by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) under the Cultural Advisory Committee, will oversee the selection process of artists. Applications will be invited with a 15-day public notice, ensuring transparency and fairness in the final selection. The jury will make the final decision after evaluating performances.

Emphasising transparency and integrity, Collector Goyal assured that the entire artist selection process will be conducted in a fair and open manner. He also underscored the importance of law and order, effective security measures, and crowd management during the event, as the festival attracts lakhs of devotees, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from various parts of India and beyond. What makes Dhanu Yatra truly unique is its scale and setting. The entire Bargarh town becomes a living stage for 11 days. The River Jeera symbolically represents the River Yamuna, while Ambapali, situated on the opposite bank of Jeera, transforms into Gopapura (Gokul) — the childhood home of Lord Krishna. A grand Raj Darbar (royal court) is established for King Kansa, and a beautifully designed Rangamahal is constructed where daily performances are held. Actors enact various episodes from Krishna Leela, from Lord Krishna’s birth to the downfall of the tyrant King Kansa, bringing mythological stories to life amidst the streets, markets, and open spaces of Bargarh.

Dhanu Yatra is not just a festival but a cultural phenomenon that celebrates Odisha’s deep-rooted traditions, storytelling artistry, and devotion. The event offers a rare blend of folk theatre, music, dance, and mythological narrative, turning the entire town into a dynamic stage. Recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Dhanu Yatra has earned the distinction of being the largest open-air theatre in the world. Its immersive experience, where the audience becomes part of the story, has made it a major cultural attraction for decades.