World-famous Bargarh Dhanu Yatra cancelled this year

COVID-19 pandemic has played spoilsport for the world-famous open-air theatrical performance Dhanu Yatra. The decision to cancel the 72nd Dhanu Yatra in 2021 was taken at the Dhanu Yatra Core Committee.

Bargarh (Odisha): The 72nd edition of world-famous Bargarh Dhanu Yatra of Odisha has been cancelled in view of the COVID-19 situation. A decision in this regard was taken during a meeting of Dhanu Yatra committee headed by Bargarh district collector on Sunday. The mega event was scheduled to be held from January 18, 2021.

"People will miss the much-awaited Krishna Leela during the Dhanu Yatra in Bargarh which is the largest open-air theatre in the world, this year. The district administration decided not to hold the mega event in view of the COVID-19 pandemic situation," Bargarh collector Jyoti Ranjan Pradhan told reporters.

"The Dhanu Yatra has been stopped for public safety reasons. It has also been decided to provide financial support to all the artists participating in the Yatra," he said.

The Yatra is based on the mythological story of Lord Krishna and his demon uncle King Kansa. It is about the episode of Krishna and Balaram's visit to Mathura to witness the Dhanu ceremony organised by their (maternal) uncle King Kansa.

Dhanu Yatra, the annual drama-based open-air theatrical performance celebrated in and around Bargarh city is considered to be the world's largest open-air theatrical festival that finds a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.

As a precautionary measure against COVID-19, the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri was also held without devotees. The gigantic chariots were pulled by servitors and police personnel this year.