The 11-day, world-renowned Bargarh Dhanu Yatra concluded on Saturday with the symbolic death of King Kansa. The enactment, in which Lord Krishna slays Kansa, represented the triumph of truth and justice over tyranny and was followed by the ceremonial coronation of Maharaja Ugrasena, signifying the restoration of righteous rule.
On the final day, Lord Krishna and Balaram toured Mathura as part of the traditional performance. Army commander Satyaki escorted Krishna to King Kansa’s court, but the elephant Kuvalaya attempted to block their path, adding dramatic intensity. Following the mythological narrative, Krishna and Balaram killed the elephant.
The climax of the drama featured a fierce battle in which Ashtamalla was slain. King Kansa, increasingly disturbed by the developments, faced Krishna and Balaram in the symbolic uncle-nephew duel, ultimately falling in the royal court and marking the victory of good over evil.
The grand performance drew lakhs of spectators, showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. As part of the concluding ritual, the character of Kansa symbolically travelled to Puri to take a holy dip in the sea and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath, completing the age-old tradition of forgiveness.
