Bhubaneswar: A preparatory meeting was convened today at the Department of Tourism under the chairpersonship of Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, Pravati Parida, to review arrangements for the renowned Dhanujatra Festival, scheduled to take place from 3rd to 13th January 2025 in Bargarh.
Recognised as the world’s largest open-air theatre festival, Dhanujatra is based on the tale of Lord Krishna and his demon uncle Kansa. During the festival, the town of Bargarh transforms into the kingdom of Mathura, with the river Jira symbolizing the Yamuna. This unique cultural celebration showcases Odisha’s storytelling traditions and attracts visitors from across the globe.
The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Tourism Balwant Singh, Director Tourism Samarth Varma, Director Culture Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, Collector and District Magistrate Bargarh Aditya Goyal, Collector & District Magistrate Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, Superintendent of Police Bargarh Prahlad Sahai Meena, and Director of the National School of Drama Chittaranjan Tripathy, along with other senior officials.
The meeting emphasised the need to elevate Dhanujatra’s appeal to an international level. Discussions included enhancing digital outreach through live streaming and LED displays at key locations, creating dynamic and immersive cultural performances, and ensuring visitor comfort through seamless logistical arrangements.
Discussions were also held on integrating nearby attractions such as Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Hirakud Dam, and local craft clusters into the festival experience. The involvement of eminent institutions like the National School of Drama and Lalit Kala Academy was also discussed to add cultural depth and vibrancy to the event.
Deputy Chief Minister urged officials to uphold the grandeur and authenticity of the festival while ensuring its smooth execution. She stressed the importance of showcasing Odisha’s cultural richness to a global audience, positioning Dhanujatra as a landmark cultural event.