Bargarh, Dec 23: The sacred pillar (Subha Stambha) and the sacred flag (Subha Dhwaja) were set up on in Bargarh, Odisha on Friday, marking the beginning of preparations of the 76th edition of the world famous Dhanu Yatra.

The 11-day festival, considered to be the world’s largest open-air theatre, in western Odisha town Bargarh will begin on January 15 and continue till January 25.

As per the tradition, a special prayer and worship was performed at the Samaleswari temple of Bargarh yesterday. A cultural procession started from the temple with the garlanded order of the temple and reached the venue of Dhanu Yatra, Sanchar Mandap, at Hatapada after doing rounds of the town.

The royal priest offered an Ashtakala Naga Puja (cobra worship) at the venue. Later the Subha Stambha was founded amid religious fervour.

The Dhanu Yatra, which marks the victory of good over evil, came into existence in Bargarh in 1947-48 as part of the celebration of the country’s Independence and is held annually. The festival is based on Krishna Leela and will showcase the mythological story of Krishna and his uncle Kansa.

With the commencement of the festival, Bargarh becomes King Kansa’s Mathura, and Amapali, located about eight km away, becomes Gopapura, where Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood. The Jeera river which flows between the two places becomes the Yamuna river.

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"The festival will conclude with the death of demon king Kansa and restoration of the throne to Ugrasen," said a member of the Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav Committee.

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