Dhanu Yatra - Odisha

Dhanu Yatra is celebrated to dedicate Lord Krishna , when he visited to Mathura observed at Bargarh a western part of Odisha about 350 km  from Bhubaneswar.. The origins of the Dhanu yatra at Bargarh are unclear, but it has been organized since 1948 annually. The city of Bargarh becomes Mathura, the river Jira becomes Yamuna and the village Amapalli on the other bank of the river becomes Gopa.  A gorgeously decorated stage is erected in the heart of Bargarh to serve as  Kansa Darbar. An elephant is engaged for the royal transport.

Dhanuyatra is the theatrical presentation of Krishna Leela of Devaki with Vashudev till the death of Kansa as described in the scriptures. According to  Puranic descriptions different acts performed in different place.The drama and reality get inextricably fused in many palces. The festival continues for 7 to 11 days preceding 'Pausa Purnima', the full-moon day of 'Pausa', which celebrates  in December-January every year. The whole night entertainment programmes, performances are held from 3 P.M. to 9 P.M.