Question: Dhanu Jatra festival, which recently began in Odisha and celebrated as the largest open-air theatre of the world, is based on the mythological story of—
(a) Lord Krishna
(b) Arjuna
(c) Lord Rama
(d) Bali the brother of Sugriva
Answer:(a)
Related facts:
- On 31 December, 2019 11-day Dhanu Jatra festival began in Bargarh in western Odisha.
- The famous Dhanu Jatra celebrated as the largest open-air theatre of the world and based on the mythological story of Lord Krishna and his demon uncle King Kansa.
- Around 3,000 artists of 120 cultural troupes from across the state and from neighboring states will perform at the Raj Durbar, Nanda Durbar, and Rangamahal during the festival.
- Dhanu Jatra considered being the world’s largest outdoor theatrical festival that finds a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.
History of Dhanu Jatra:
- The annual festival came into being in 1947-48 to celebrate Indian’s Independence and to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
- Over 70 artists performed in the Dhanu Yatra at Mathura, another 45 artists played different roles at Gopapura during the festival.
- The department of Culture of the Government of India accorded the National Festival status to Dhanu Jatra in November 2014