Dhanu Jatra: Minister Rita Sahu imposed fine of ‘70 lakh gold coins’ by Kansa in Odisha’s Bargarh

Bargarh: With festive fervour at its height and 11 day-long Dhanu Jatra underway in the town, the designated demon king Kansa today symbolically imposed a fine of ‘70 lakh gold coins’ on Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Rita Sahu in Bargarh district.

According to a source, Minister Sahu visited the Raj Darbar of Kansa as chief guest. However, she shouted ‘Jai Jagannath’ while on the stage where the mythological play was being enacted. As Jagannath is an incarnation of Lord Krishna, demon king Kansa got irritated. Kansa fined the Bijepur MLA on the sixth day of the Jatra. Later, the Minister apologised for her mistake in honour of the king.

It is customary that king Kansa is revered by the people of the district during Dhanu Jatra. As part of a symbolic gesture, they accept such penalties with reverence to the decades-old tradition.

The entire Bargarh town in this district has decked up with glittering lights for the world’s largest open-air theatre Dhanu Jatra. Several arch gates have been erected to make the town more attractive.

Dhanu Jatra began on January 15 for the 76th time this year and the 11-day festival will continue till January 25. The Raj Darbar built at Hatapada in the town is around 95 feet in height and 45 feet in length. Similarly, the Ranga Mahal of the demon king Kansa has worn a colourful look.

The mythological theatre is being performed on at least 14 different stages constructed in the town in an area spanning nearly seven square kilometers.