Fast, Fair and Festivals of India Fast, Fair and Festivals of India
DHANU YATRA
Celebrated In : Baragarh, Baragarh District, Orissa.
Duration : 7 to 11 days
In the month of : December - January
Dhanu Yatra relating to the episode of Lord Krishna's visit to Mathura to witness the ceremony of 'Bow' organised by 'Kansa' as described in the "Bhagawat Purana" is colourfully observed at Baragarh in Sambalpur district. The entire topography of Baragarh is rendered into the elements of Drama. The town of Baragarh becomes Mathura, the river Jira becomes Yamuna and the village 'Amapalli' on the other bank of the river becomes 'Gopa'.
Time For The Festivity
Different acts of the Puranic description are performed at their right places and the spectators move from place to place with the actors to seethe performances. The drama and reality get inextricably fused. The festival continues for 7 to 11 days preceding 'Pausa Purnima', the full-moon day of 'Pausa', which falls in December-January every year. The performances are held from 3 P.M. to 9 P.M., which are followed by entertainment programmes during the whole night.
Dhanu Yatra, Orissa