Bargarh:  The world famous annual Dhanu Jatra in Odisha’s Bargarh district will begin on December 23 this year and will continue till January 2, 2018, officials said.

Considered as the largest open air theatre of the world, spread over five square kilometres, Bargarh turns into Mathura during the yatra. Ambapali, situated across river Jeera, converts into Gopapur while river Jeera transforms into river Yamuna during the yatra.

The 11-day festival is based on Krishna Leela and Mathura Vijay. The story begins with the legendary king of Mathura Kansa ascending the throne, and ends with Krishna killing his uncle Kansa.

Kansa can punish people with penalty for their mistakes during the festival.

This apart, thousands of artistes of 120 cultural troupes from across the country perform at the Raj Durbar and Ranga Mahal during the festival.