Dhanu Yatra: Folk and Traditional Media
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Odisha Review January - 2012 Dhanu Yatra: Folk and Traditional Media Dr. Chitrasen Pasayat One cannot ignore the importance of folk media Bargarh presents Dhanu Yatra, a widely in the communication and development strategies. acclaimed folk drama form. It represents the folk Government has also realized the significance of Little Tradition of this area. In this context, it may the use of folk media as a vehicle for the be said that Krushna cult of Hindu Great expression of developmental messages. In 1970s Tradition, which has influenced many forms of folk folk media was dramas in different successfully used for parts of Odisha and family planning India, has also programme throughout tremendous influence India. Subsequently, on Dhanu Yatra. various health “Krushna-Leela” in programmes and other Gopa-pura (present developmental Ambapali village), messages are “Mathura Vijaya” and popularized through “Kansa-Badha” in such folk media. In this Mathura (present context, we have to Bargarh town) are the appreciate the potential main attractions of of Dhanu Yatra of Dhanu Yatra. Kansa, Bargarh as a strong however, is the centre communication device. of attraction and he The district of Bargarh prevails throughout the with picturesque Yatra. It is known as mountain, perennial streams and falls and vast “Dhanu” Yatra because it is observed in the Dhanu array of green forests offer some of the best (Pousa) month between the ‘Dhanu Sankranti’ tourists’ attractions. It is not only a land of glorious and ‘Makara Sankranti’. Secondly, from historical sites and superb natural beauties but also mythological point of view, Kansa had invited a land of wonderful fairs and festivities which Krushna and Balaram on the occasion of Dhanu enrich the cultural heritage of Odisha. Yatra with a hidden intention of killing them during the Yatra. Hence, it is known as Dhanu Yatra. 28 January - 2012 Odisha Review As mentioned above, it is organised in is considered to be a class of its own for its unique the Hindu month of Dhanu/Pousa (December- proposition of style. January). It is celebrated from Pousa Sukla Sasthi Tithi i.e. sixth day of bright fortnight of Pousa to Dhanu Yatra is a theatrical representation Pousa Purnima i.e. the full moon day of Pousa. of a Pouranic myth ‘Krushna Leela’. Various Accordingly, it is carried out for ten to eleven days events, right from the wedding ceremony of continuously. It is an integral part of culture of Devaki with Basudeva to the fatal death of Kansa Bargarh. It not only helps in preserving our ancient Maharaja as depicted in various Hindu scriptures heritage but also helps in disseminating our old are enacted to bring the old myth alive in different tradition. It is believed that Dhanu Yatra began in locations of Bargarh town and Ambapali village. In other words, the Krushna cult which has the year 1948 immediately after independence. influenced many forms of folk dramas in different It was the consequences of freedom and self-rule parts of India has not lost its spiritual content in as a show charged with nationalistic passion and case of Dhanu Yatra. In fact, Dhanu Yatra has zeal. In this sense, Kansa represented the placed Bargarh in particular and Odisha in general imperialist power on its way out and Krushna- in the cultural map of the country. Balaram stood for the patriotic aspiration of the common mass. Incidentally, the natural features of Bargarh and Ambapali more or less conform to Dhanu Yatra is remarkable and the neighborhood of the Pouranic descriptions of distinguishable from the rest in every respect. This Mathura and Gopapura. Bargarh town is treated is amazing and extra-ordinary in its content and as Mathura. Jira river is on the border of Bargarh form. It is significant and noteworthy in sense and town, which serves as river Jamuna. On the other style. It is astonishing and astounding in grace and side of the river Jira, there is a small village called grandeur. It is perhaps the biggest open-air folk Ambapali, which is decorated as Gopapura. There drama in the known history of the world though is a mango orchard, which serves as Brundaban. the origin of folk drama in West Odisha is yet to There is also a pond, which is used as Kalindi be discovered. Though the origin of this folk Sarovara (lake). drama style is shrouded in mystery, Dhanu Yatra of Bargarh has been gaining wider recognition as Various scenes are enacted in different a folk drama. places of Bargarh town and Ambapali village, instead of at one place. However, one beautifully Dhanu Yatra has become one of the decorated stage is erected in the heart of Bargarh important items in regional folk tradition of town to project it as the Durbar of Kansa Odisha. It is one of the major drama forms which Maharaja. As per the tradition, one hired elephant still hold ground in the cross-section of the society. is engaged for the movement of Kansa Maharaja. It is an exceptional and extraordinary form of folk Female characters are performed by the male drama wherein divine characters like Krushna, members. This is the characteristic of folk tradition Balaram, Devaki, Basudeva, Ugrasena, Kansa found in many parts of India. Maharaja and the like are the most important characters and the rule of Kansa Maharaja is The whole landscape of Bargarh within a celebrated by the people. This folk drama form radius of about five to six kilometers turns into a 29 Odisha Review January - 2012 ‘Play Zone’, which may be called an open-air dialogue as such for any scene. In fact, the theme theatre. As it has been said earlier, this is the biggest and the dramatic content of Dhanu Yatra provide open-air theatre in the known history on this earth. an overall sketch; the particulars are filled up by This background and setting makes this biggest the performers. This is a freedom allowed to the ‘Play Zone’ of Dhanu Yatra the largest open-air performers, which gives rise to a series of theatre where the panorama of Dhanu Yatra is imaginative compositions and giving a perfect performed. The whole landscape provides the shape to the play. Thus, keeping in view the scene festival a lively look. Possibly, in anywhere a play of the episode, the characters speak the dialogue has not been made to achieve such a vast extempore and without preparation in their own magnitude with fairness and open mindedness. way. The most important aspect of Dhanu Yatra Dhanu Yatra also provides an opportunity is its largest cast and the people’s participation. to the local performing artistes to exhibit their The lead characters like Kansa, Ugrasena, talents. The inhabitants of Bargarh have been Devaki, Basudeva, Krushna and Balarama are watching this for years but they are not tired of it selected from amongst the local artists. because it does not hamper their day to day life. Significantly, all the local residents as well as the Buses and trains ply as usual. Working class guests and visitors who happen to be then and attends to their duties and offices as usual. there are also taken as characters. Nearly every Outsiders visiting Bargarh for the first time on this one has a job to perform; each one has a role to occasion becomes part of the festival without any play. Physical involvement of all present on the obligation, without any compulsion. Undoubtedly, occasion is apparent. It engulfs and overwhelms Dhanu Yatra takes up social causes and is all. They all join without any precaution, without respected for its strength of mobilizing the mass. any invitation. In this sense, Dhanu Yatra has largest cast. Everyday, the scenes are enacted in the afternoon and in the evening hours. However, There is no denying that, Dhanu Yatra is cultural programmes continue till the wee hours of the people, by the people and for the people. for entertainment of the visitors. There is no rule, Common people seem to have been elated and no restriction, but it is so disciplined that there is thrilled to the mythical age in body and spirit during no dislocation. The intimacy between the audience the time of festival, though the duration of this and the performers provides a realistic colour to festival is ten to eleven days only. It attracts a the Dhanu Yatra. To be in Bargarh during this large number of crowds. The performances are festival means to be a part of this folk drama which so energetic and lively that the district is a life time experience, a rare occasion to peep administration has to play a passive role at the into the local culture in its entirety. However, the back stage. It appears that the rules of Kansa organizers of Dhanu Yatra should be appreciated Maharaja prevail in Bargarh. General public enjoy and thanked for their commendable job and his order as if he is the de-facto administrator of praiseworthy effort to promote this regional folk Bargarh. tradition. Another important aspect of Dhanu Yatra Kansa Maharaja dies on the final day of is its style of dialogue delivery. There is no specific Dhanu Yatra. An effigy of Kansa Maharaja is burnt 30 January - 2012 Odisha Review making the end of his tyrannical rule. The of Dhanu Yatra has created a centre of attention imaginary world of Mathura and Gopapura with of people from far and wide. District the river Yamuna dividing the two comes to an Administration takes all possible measures to end. Though the make-believe ceases to exist, provide safe drinking water for the visitors and the cynical laughter of Kansa Maharaja resound maintain hygienic condition of Bargarh town and the air of Bargarh till next Dhanu Yatra.