Odisha govt sanctions Rs 1 cr for Dhanu Jatra

Bhubaneswar, Dec 4 (PTI) The Odisha government on Thursday sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the Dhanu Jatra in Bargarh.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

The festival is scheduled to be held in Bargarh from December 24 to January 3.

It was also decided at the meeting to provide an honorarium of Rs 10,000 each to nearly 200 artistes participating in the festival, Suraj said.

The Directorate of Odisha Paribar will arrange live screening of the festival across the country, he said.

It was also decided to build Dhanu Jatra–themed welcome gates at major entry points of Bargarh town. Special tourist buses from Bhubaneswar and Puri to Bargarh will be operated during the festival, he added.

The minister said a dedicated website will also be set up to provide information about the festival, including event videos, major landmarks, hotels, parking areas, venue details and integrated GPS-based navigation support.

Directing officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, Suraj emphasised security arrangements, fire safety, sanitation, medical services and overall administrative coordination at the venue.

During the 11-day festival, Bargarh town transforms into 'Mathura Nagari', with the mythological story of Lord Krishna's visit to Mathura being enacted.

The minister said this year's Dhanu Jatra will be celebrated in a grand manner. PTI AAM AAM SOM