ORIGIN OF DHANUYATRA

How, When and By Whom it was Started

GEOGRAPHICAL SIMILARITY

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In the 18th century, some Krishna devotees of Bargarh established regular communication with Vrindavan. The Yamuna river is situated to the west of Mathura, Gopapura is to the west of the Yamuna, and Vrindavan is to the south-west of Gopapura.

The geographical locations of Bargarh, Ambapali, and the Jeera River in Bargarh district correspond perfectly to Mathura, Gopa, Vrindavan, and the Yamuna River respectively.

  • Jeera River (Yamuna) is situated to the west of Bargarh (Mathura).
  • Ambapali (Gopapura) is situated to the west of the Jeera River.
  • Ambatota (Vrindavan) is situated to the south-east of Ambapali.

THE FIRST DIVINE FESTIVAL

Devotees commenced the first Dhanuyatra at 12:00 PM on Monday, 12.01.1948, on the auspicious occasion of Pausha Shukla Pratipada in the Saka Era 1870.

It concluded at 9:00 AM on Monday, 26.01.1948, on Pausha Purnima.

KEY INITIATORS

Founding Members of the World Famous Dhanuyatra Mahotsav

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1 Late Kangali Nayak
2 Late Aaparti Panigrahi
3 Late Rushabha Kar
4 Late Ratan Darji
5 Late Bipin Sahu
6 Late Kapileswar Dash
7 Late Basanta Dash
8 Late Shankar Dash
9 Late Brundaban Bishi
10 Late Bandhu Mahapatra
11 Late Raghumani Dash
12 Late Lakshyapati Dash
13 Late Chandramani Dash
14 Late Dhanu Pradhan
15 Late Bhuluku Sahu
16 Late Chhala Master
17 Late Tila Pradhan
18 Late Bipin Barik
19 Late Munu Barik
20 Late Narendra Sarap
21 Late Rahas Sarap
22 Late Bipin Sarap
23 Late Gopal Sarap
24 Late Ramkrishna Hota
25 Late Rakhi Sahu
26 Late Lalit Mohan Sahu
27 Late Lalit Das
28 Late Shiba Barai
29 Late Dhanpati Birtia
30 Late Gajapati Birtia
31 Late Nilamani Pujari
32 Late Sadashiv Shadangi
33 Late Bishnu Pradhan
34 Late Rama Bhoi
35 Late Udan Podha
36 Late Ghasi Pradhan