History and Art and Culture
Context: The ‘Dhanu Yatra’ festival, the largest open-air theatre festival began after a gap of two years, at Bargarh in the state of Odisha.
About Dhanu Yatra:
- It came into existence in Bargarh in 1947-48 as part of celebrating country’s Independence.
- It is held annually for 7-11 days.
- It is performed at the end of the harvesting of paddy which is the major crop of the region.
- The plays in the festival starts with dethroning of Emperor Ugrasen of Mathura by Kansa over the marriage of his sister Devaki with Vasudev.
- It concludes with the death of demon king Kansa and restoration of the throne to Ugrasen.
- Bargarh becomes King Kansa’s Mathura, and Amapali becomes Gopapura, where Lord Krishna have spent his childhood.
- Apparently, the jeera river represents the Yamuna during the famed Dhanu Yatra celebration when the entire Bargarh municipal limits, spread over 5 sq km, turns into a stage and every citizen plays a role.
- The river was once considered the lifeline of Bargarh.
Source: NewsOnAir
Previous Year Questions
Q.1) Which one of the following statements is correct? (2021)
- Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora river.
- Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of the Chambal river.
- Pandu – lena cave shrines lie in the gorge of the Narmada river.
- Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of the Godavari river.
