Odisha Government Sanctions ₹1 Crore for Dhanu Jatra Festival

The Odisha government on Thursday approved ₹1 crore in funding for the Dhanu Jatra festival in Baragarh, where the town is transformed into an open-air theatre enacting the life of Lord Krishna over 11 days.

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

The annual festival is scheduled to be held from December 24 to January 3, attracting thousands of visitors and celebrating Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. The financial sanction aims to support festival arrangements, including stage setups, cultural programmes, and logistical requirements for participants and audiences.

Dhanu Jatra, one of the largest open-air theatre festivals in the world, showcases local talent while promoting tourism and preserving Odisha’s traditional performing arts.