Across a region spanning 8 KMs in the Bargarh district of the state of Odisha, king Kansa’s rule is supreme for 11 days, and during this period, every thing happens just like it used to happen during the Dwapara age in Mathura. King Kansa’s durbar is held, and complainants visit the durbar, and Kansa issues his decision upon hearing them. If someone is found to be guilty, a punishment is announced.
At 11 AM, Kansa moves around the town, and this tradition of the villagers in Bargarh is being carried out for 75 years now. What is noteworthy is that for these 11 days, Kansa’s orders and his legal system are followed by the administration as well. The Dhanu Yatra is organized. A penalty was levied on the former Chief Minister of Odisha, Biju Pattnaik by Kansa as well, and he had followed the orders. This tradition has been accepted as the world’s largest open theatre and has also been made a part of the Guinness Book of World Records.
11 days of Kansa’s rule get completed on 6th January, after which, a villager, taking the form of Lord Krishna, will defeat Kansa, and the latter’s rule will then come to an end. 11 characters including that of Kansa is chosen through auditions, and this time, 50-year-old Hrishikesh Bhoi plays the role of Kansa.
Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari has said that this is the only place wherein the administration has authorized the rule of Kansa. Best wishes were also sent by PM Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Monisha Banerjee, DM, Bargarh, stated that here, for 11 days, it is Kansa who makes all the decisions, which are followed by everyone. Following his prayers at the Mata Samleshwari Temple, Kansa moves around the town every day. On the last day, Kansa orders for the improvement of his state, which the administration deems important.
