Bhubaneswar/Bargarh, Dec 30: The world’s largest open-air theatre, the iconic Bargarh Dhanu Yatra, witnessed a unique spectacle on its seventh day as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was addressed as the “Kalinga Samrat” by King Kansa in his court.

The monarch asked about the steps taken for the development of Mathura (Bargarh), to which the Chief Minister responded with a major announcement.

CM Majhi launched 123 development projects with an investment of over ₹1,362 crore. In addition, he announced four new projects worth ₹380 crore. Of these, 85 projects with an investment of ₹980.58 crore were laid as foundation stones, while 38 projects worth ₹382.26 crore were inaugurated.

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Additionally, the Odisha Chief Minister announced four new projects worth ₹380 crore, including a sewage treatment plant on the Jira river, a vending zone at Hatpada, a modern bus terminal at Bargarh Sadar, and an inter-river reservoir at Greendola.

Highlighting welfare measures, CM Majhi said that under the Subhadra Yojana, 3,41,614 women in Bargarh received financial assistance of ₹10,000 each.

Farmers too benefited significantly, with 2,41,135 cultivators supplying 13.99 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the 2024-25 kharif and rabi seasons. Input assistance worth ₹4,338 crore was disbursed — the highest ever in the district’s history.

The Chief Minister described Dhanu Yatra as a model of India’s “cultural economy,” reflecting spirituality in social life.

He announced an increase in festival grants from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore and honorariums of ₹10,000 each for 200 leading artists.

A long-standing promise was fulfilled with the foundation stone laid for a grand Rangmahal at a cost of ₹12.80 crore, envisioned to become one of the finest globally. Efforts are underway to secure UNESCO recognition for Dhanu Yatra.

CM Majhi also used the occasion to send a strong message against corruption, warning errant officials from Kansa’s court that vigilance action would be taken. He urged government employees to prioritize public service.

Drawing parallels with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of cultural nationalism, CM Majhi cited examples such as the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the reconstruction of Kashi Vishwanath temple, rejuvenation of Mahakal and Mathura temples, and the development of Char Dham routes.

He said Odisha’s governance is inspired by PM Modi’s mantra of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (development as well as heritage), integrating Odia identity into administration.

The Odisha Chief Minister further noted that ornamental gateways have been constructed across Bargarh, enhancing the city’s beauty. The National School of Drama has deputed its director and assistant director to study Dhanu Yatra, prepare reports, and document the festival comprehensively.

The seventh day of Dhanu Yatra thus became a platform not only for cultural celebration but also for major developmental announcements, blending tradition with progress and reinforcing Odisha’s march toward growth and heritage preservation.