The much-anticipated Khandagiri Jatra has finally begun, ending months of eager waiting by theatre lovers across Odisha. The festival opened with dramas staged on four pandals and performances by four opera parties in the first phase, setting the stage for a vibrant cultural extravaganza.
However, a key change this year is the significant reduction in spectator seating capacity. Only 1,800 seats have been permitted across the venues — fewer than last year — as part of crowd management measures.
Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena stated that the Commissionerate Police made this decision after assessing expected crowd sizes. Licenses were issued based on stage perimeters, with the possibility of further reductions. Guidelines mandate a minimum 3-foot distance between chair rows, and the DCP will personally verify compliance. On January 25, police issued a 14-point directive to organisers.
No official reaction has emerged yet from the Jatra committee or opera party owners regarding the seat restrictions. Meanwhile, enthusiastic fans are already booking tickets to watch their favourite artists and productions.
From Tuesday night onward, performances will expand progressively to seven stages, featuring 15 opera parties. The festival will continue until February 7, promising a full lineup of traditional Odia Jatra dramas.
Safety remains a top priority this year. The fire department conducted mock drills today at all pandals, trained committee members in extinguisher use, deployed one firefighter per venue, and established a central control room for monitoring. Like previous years, obscene dance sequences remain strictly prohibited on stage.
On Khandagiri hill, the spiritual side of the festival is in full swing with sadhus and saints from across India conducting homa yajnas. Devotees are gathering in large numbers for their blessings during this auspicious period.
The accompanying Khandagiri Magha Mela is also drawing huge crowds, with rows of shops offering everything from handicrafts to food, creating a festive carnival atmosphere.
