Bargarh, Jan 16: The world-famous Dhanu Jatra kick-started here with the ruling of King Kamsa. Bargarh and Ambapalli, located on either side of the Jeera River, became Mathura Nagari and Gopapura, respectively.

The entire mythological happenings from the birth of Lord Srikrishna to the killing of King Kamsa will be staged in the open pandals. The 11-day drama is said to be the largest open-pandal theatre in the world.

Apart from the mythological presentation, the festivities will elegantly mark the directions of King Kamsa to the local administration for the development of the area.

The 76th edition of the Dhanu Jatra started with a cultural team conducting puja at Maa Samaleswari temple and then moving through the town to reach the Mathura palace.

Then, the Jatra was formally inaugurated by Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari and MLA Debesh Acharya.

On the first day, Kamsa dethroned Maharaja Ugresena and crowned himself as the king. Hearing a divine message about his killing by the eighth child of sister Devaki, Kamsa locked Devaki and her husband Vasudeva.

A cultural extravaganza was organised to mark the coronation of King Kamsa.

According to the schedule, King Kamsa along with his ministers will move the entire Bargarh town and inaugurate the Rangamahal for the residents of Mathura.

Other events to take place include the birth of Lord Srikrishna, Vasudeva carrying Him on his head and crossing the Yamuja River (Jeera River), Vasudeba calling on Ugresena on the way, Placing newborn Srikrishna on the lap of Maa Yosada and returning Mathura bringing Bijuli Kanya.

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