Bargarh Dhanu Yatra 2026 Day 1 Mina Bazaar | Jalpari Show | Sunami Jhula

Bargarh Dhanu Yatra 2026 Day 1 Mina Bazaar | Jalpari Show | Sunami Jhula
The Bargarh Dhanu Yatra for the 2025-26 season is scheduled to begin on December 24, 2025, and will conclude on January 3, 2026. This 11-day festival is celebrated as the world's largest open-air theater, transforming the entire town of Bargarh into the mythological city of Mathura.
Quick Event Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | December 24, 2025 (Wednesday) |
| End Date | January 3, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Duration | 11 Days |
| Location | Bargarh, Odisha (Mathurapuri) and Ambapali (Gopapur) |
| River | Jeera River (represents the Yamuna) |
Key Highlights for 2025-26
Artist Selection: This year marks the 78th edition of the festival. A fresh selection of artists was conducted in November 2025 for key roles, including the iconic role of King Kansa, ministers, and other central characters.
Government Support: The Odisha government has sanctioned a significant grant of ₹1.5 crore for the festival. Additionally, around 200 participating artists will receive an honorarium of ₹10,000 each.
Live Experience: For those who cannot attend in person, the government plans to telecast the event live via LED screens across Bargarh and in various other states for the Odia diaspora.
Digital Integration: A dedicated website has been launched to provide real-time updates on schedules, event maps, and parking details.
The Grand Stage
During the festival, the boundaries between reality and mythology blur:
Bargarh becomes Mathura, where King Kansa holds his court (Rajdarbar).
Ambapali (across the Jeera river) becomes Gopapur, where the childhood of Lord Krishna is enacted.
The Jeera River serves as the Yamuna, used for scenes involving Krishna’s crossing and the Raas Leela.
Would you like me to find the specific daily performance schedule (which chapter of the Krishna Leela happens on which day)?