Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the world-famous Bargarh Dhanu Jatra on Sunday and announced incentives for the world’s largest open-air theatre.
After arriving in Bargarh, the Chief Minister proceeded to Kansa Maharaj’s Darbar on the back of an elephant from Kalyan Mandap. Accompanying the Chief Minister were MLAs Ashwini Sharangi, Nihar Mahanand, Sanat Gadtia, and Irashisha Acharya.
“I had the privilege of participating in the world-famous Bargarh Dhanu Jatra festival,” the CM stated. “The folk drama staged at the Jajayakash Rangmanch in Bargarh has introduced this land to the entire world. It is a matter of great honour that this tradition, based on ancient folklore, has been nurtured since independence.”
The CM announced that the state government has increased the grant amount for the festival from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore to make the event more spectacular and interesting, while respecting the heritage, culture, and sentiments of the people. Special expenses have been allocated for live broadcasting and widespread publicity of this mega event. Additionally, Majhi announced that an honorarium of Rs 10,000 will be awarded to the top 170 artists who participated in the drama.
A dedicated website has been created to provide information related to Dhanu Jatra, along with the formation of an expert committee to pursue UNESCO heritage status for the fair. For the first time, arrangements have been made for live telecasts of the Dhanu Yatra on LED screens across the state, and provisions have been made to increase the categories of artists or their families who have participated in the theatre.
