On the seventh day of the world-famous Bargarh Dhanu Yatra, spectators witnessed a captivating fusion of mythology and modern governance as Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi appeared before “King Kansa” in his royal court.
Addressing the actor portraying the mythical demon king Kansa, who referred to him as the “Kalinga Emperor,” CM Majhi detailed the state’s efforts for the development of “Mathura Nagari” – symbolically Bargarh town during the festival.
The Chief Minister announced the inauguration and foundation stone laying of 123 projects worth over ₹1,362 crore. This includes the foundation stone for 85 projects costing ₹980.58 crore and the inauguration of 38 projects valued at ₹382.26 crore.
Key highlights among the initiated projects:
– A dedicated Rang Mahal (stage) for Dhanu Yatra at ₹12.80 crore.
– Beautification of Bargarh Canal with Box Conduit at ₹30.17 crore.
– In-stream storage project on Jira River at ₹114.87 crore.
Additionally, from the stage, CM Majhi announced four new projects worth approximately ₹380 crore exclusively for Bargarh district:
– Sewage Treatment Plant on Jira River: ₹132 crore.
– Development of Vending Zone at Hatpada: ₹30 crore.
– Modern Atal Bus Stand in Bargarh Sadar: ₹65 crore.
– In-stream storage project at Grindola: ₹150 crore.
Highlighting welfare schemes, the CM noted that under the Subhadra Yojana, 341,614 women in Bargarh have received ₹10,000 each. Furthermore, during the 2024-25 Kharif and Rabi seasons, paddy worth 1,399,000 metric tonnes was procured from 241,135 farmers, with ₹4,338 crore disbursed as input assistance – an unprecedented amount, he emphasised.
Satisfied with the “account,” the actor playing Kansa declared, “The mighty Kansaasur feels content.”
CM Majhi described Dhanu Yatra as an exemplary model of India’s cultural economy, embodying spirituality in social life. He reiterated ongoing efforts for UNESCO recognition, increased government aid for the festival from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore, and ₹10,000 honorarium for 200 key artists.
In a stern message from the mythical court, the CM warned corrupt officials: “Reform yourselves, or the Vigilance sword is swinging.”
Praising the festival’s role in promoting local culture, handicrafts, and economy through associated events like rangoli exhibitions and fairs, Majhi aligned it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of cultural nationalism and “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (Development with Heritage).
Present at the event were Bargarh MP Pradip Purohit, MLAs Ashwini Kumar Sarangi, Nihar Ranjan Mahanand, Irasis Acharya, Sanat Kumar Gadtia, Barsha Singh Bariha, District Collector Aditya Goyal, SP Prahlad Sahai Meena, and Dhanu Yatra committee secretary Sureshwar Satpathy, among others.
The 11-day Bargarh Dhanu Yatra, known as the world’s largest open-air theatre, transforms the town into ancient Mathura, reenacting Lord Krishna’s victory over Kansa.
