Preparations begin for Dhanu Yatra in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Baragarh, Nov 27:

The sacred pillar (Subha Stambha) and sacred flag (Subha Dhwaja) were founded on Wednesday in Bargarh town of Odisha marking the beginning of preparations of Dhanu Yatra. This world famous festival which boasts of world’s largest open air theatre will be held from Dec 26 till Jan 5.

Keeping with the tradition, a special prayer and worship was performed at the Samaleswari temple of Bargarh. A cultural procession started from the temple with the garlanded order of the temple and reached the venue of Dhanu Yatra at Hatapada crossing through the town.

Royal priest Shiv Sankar Dash offered an Ashtakala Naga Puja (cobra worship) at the venue. District collector Anjan Kumar Manik and superintendent of police Uma Shankar Dash played host to the consecrated fire (Havan) officially starting the preparations for the 11-day long festival.