Dhanu Yatra

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)

1. Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora river.
2. Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of the Chambal river.
3. Pandu – lena cave shrines lie in the gorge of the Narmada river.
4. Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of the Godavari river.