The creative arm of Shree JBS Trust — where theatre becomes a sacred act of devotion and Jagannatha's stories come alive through music, drama and artistic vision.
Dhananjay Kapoor is a filmmaker and theatre director whose creative journey has been shaped by a deep reverence for Indian culture and spirituality. As the founder of Bhandira Tree Theatre Group and Shree Jagannatha Balbhadra Subhadra Charitable Trust, he has dedicated his artistic vision to bringing the timeless stories and traditions of Param Brahma Jagannatha to contemporary audiences.
His work bridges the sacred and the contemporary — creating theatrical experiences that do not merely perform the stories of Jagannatha, but create genuine encounters with the Divine for every member of the audience.
"Theatre, when rooted in devotion, does not entertain the audience. It invites them to become part of a living tradition — to take hold of the rope and walk together."
To bring his vision to life, Dhananjay Kapoor founded BHANDIRA TREE Theatre Group, a collective of artists, actors, musicians and technicians united by a common purpose: to use the performing arts as a medium for spiritual and cultural awakening.
The journey was far from easy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rehearsals continued for months under extraordinary circumstances. When physical gatherings became impossible, the team adapted and continued rehearsing online. Despite financial constraints, uncertainty and logistical challenges, the conviction remained unwavering. The artists persisted not for commercial gain, but because they believed in the mission.
2021
18.12.2021 — Bhagwaan Jagannatha Katha
Inspired by a calling to bring the timeless story, philosophy and culture of Lord Jagannatha to people beyond the boundaries of Odisha, Dhananjay Kapoor wrote and developed the monumental theatrical production titled "Bhagwaan Jagannath Katha."
Authentically based on references from the Skanda Purana, Vedic literature and traditional Odia folklore, the production sought not merely to narrate the divine story of Jagannatha but to create a deeply immersive spiritual experience that would help audiences understand the philosophy, symbolism and cultural significance of the Lord of the Universe.
When the production finally reached audiences, the response was overwhelming.
2022 –2024
Growing Through Faith
Multiple stagings of the theatrical play, Bhagwaan Jagannatha Katha, and cultural evenings expanded the reach of BHANDIRA TREE and Jagannatha epic and culture.
Across Mumbai, Odisha and Gujarat, audiences witnessed something they had rarely experienced before: a large-scale theatrical presentation dedicated entirely to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha.
Newspapers in Maharashtra, Odisha and Gujarat covered the performances extensively. The production was praised for its research, storytelling, spiritual depth and ability to captivate audiences across generations. Reviews consistently highlighted the unique atmosphere created by the play and its ability to transport viewers into the world of Jagannatha.
Many audience members described the experience not as a performance, but as a form of darshan. Senior journalists, devotees, respected personalities, cultural organisations and spiritual leaders expressed their appreciation. Letters of encouragement were received from distinguished individuals and institutions who recognised the production's role in taking the story of Lord Jagannatha to new audiences and younger generations.
2024
02.09.2024 — Shree JBS Trust Established
What became increasingly clear was that people were not merely responding to a theatrical production. They were responding to a larger need. A need to reconnect with India's spiritual and cultural heritage. A need to experience devotion collectively. A need to engage with "JAGANNATHA" — the Nath (protector) of the Universe through storytelling, music, theatre, festivals and shared acts of seva like Jagannatha Prasadam, Tulsi-Chandan Shringar, Aarti and Geet Govind.
It was from this realisation that Shree Jagannatha Balabhadra Subhadra Charitable Trust was born. The Trust was established as a vehicle to continue and expand this mission: preserving, celebrating and sharing Jagannatha culture through festivals, cultural programs, devotional music, theatrical productions, storytelling initiatives and community participation.
2025
June 2025 — The Lord Jagannatha Cultural Theatrical & Musical Festival
A two-day "The Lord Jagannatha Cultural Theatrical & Musical Festival" was held in Mumbai that mesmerised the Jagannatha devotees... a spiritual and cultural experience that they had never felt ever before in their life — inspiring the idea of RATH UTSAV 2026.
2026
July 2026 — First Rath Utsav, Mumbai: A New Chapter
Through the 12-Day splendid and spectacular RATH UTSAV that features Rath Yatra, Bhagwaan Jagannath Katha, Bhajan Sandhya, Jagannatha Prasad Seva, Suna Besha, Niladri Bije and the cultural activities of BHANDIRA TREE, the Trust continues its mission to create meaningful experiences, rooted in the authentic sacred traditions of Puri, that inspire devotion, strengthen community bonds and ensure that the timeless legacy of Param Brahma Jagannatha reaches future generations.
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For us, this is not merely an organisational journey.
It is an offering.
A humble attempt to serve the Lord whose chariot has, for centuries, brought people together beyond all barriers of caste, language, geography and status.
And just as countless hands pull the ropes of His Rath, we believe that the preservation of culture too is a collective responsibility.
Jai Jagannatha!
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Watch & Experience
Video Gallery
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Bhagwaan Jagannath Katha
Rath Utsav — Highlights
Jagannatha Culture
Sacred Moments
Rath Utsav 2026
Devotional Seva
Festival Glimpse
Community Spirit
Jagannatha Celebration
Bhagwaan Jagannath Katha — Special
Sacred Performance
Moments of Devotion
Photo Gallery
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Recognition
Appreciation & Letters
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Cultural Excellence
Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India
In recognition of Bhandira Tree's extraordinary contribution to preserving and presenting Jagannatha culture through theatrical innovation and community engagement.
Community Leadership
Maharashtra State Cultural Foundation
For bringing together communities through Rath Utsav Mumbai, making sacred traditions accessible to contemporary audiences across backgrounds.
Heritage Preservation
Odisha Cultural Society, Mumbai
In appreciation of Shree JBS Trust's commitment to authentic preservation of Jagannatha's sacred traditions while keeping them relevant for younger generations.
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Experience Bhandira Tree
Explore the full world of Bhandira Tree — theatre, films, performances and the sacred storytelling bringing Jagannatha's traditions alive.
Dhananjay Kapoor established Bhandira Tree Theatre Group with a singular vision: to bring divine stories from our scriptures to life through theatre, music and divine storytelling.
2020
Trust Established
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Shree Jagannatha Balbhadra Subhadra Charitable Trust is formally established, creating the institutional framework for the cultural, devotional and charitable work that Bhandira Tree had been pioneering. A new chapter in serving Param Brahma Jagannatha's cultural legacy begins.
2021
First Rath Utsav Mumbai
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The inaugural Rath Utsav Mumbai brings Mahaprabhu Jagannatha's sacred traditions to the streets and stages of Mumbai for the first time. A profound experiment in devotion and community — thousands of Mumbaikars experience the sacred chariot festival in their own city.
2022–24
Growing Through Faith
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Multiple programs, theatre productions, cultural evenings and community initiatives expand the Trust's reach across Mumbai and beyond. 25+ programs organized, 10,000+ devotees connected, 100+ dedicated volunteers — the numbers tell a story of a movement, not just events.
2025
Bhagwaan Jagannath Katha
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The landmark theatrical production "Bhagwaan Jagannath Katha" premieres — a spectacular retelling of Jagannatha's divine story through music, dance and dramatic storytelling. The production receives national recognition and appreciation from cultural institutions across India.
2026
Rath Utsav 2026
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Param Brahma Jagannatha's Rath Utsav 2026 — the grandest edition yet. Eleven sacred days featuring Padmashri Anup Jalota's Bhajan Sandhya, Tribal Handicrafts Exhibition, Narasingha Yagya, Classical Dance & Music evenings, Suna Besha, Niladri Bije, and the sacred Rath Yatra procession through the streets of Mumbai.
17.01.2021 — The Beginning: Bhandira Tree Founded|||
To bring his vision to life, Dhananjay Kapoor founded BHANDIRA TREE Theatre Group, a collective of artists, actors, musicians and technicians united by a common purpose: to use the performing arts as a medium for spiritual and cultural awakening.
The journey was far from easy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rehearsals continued for months under extraordinary circumstances. When physical gatherings became impossible, the team adapted and continued rehearsing online. Despite financial constraints, uncertainty and logistical challenges, the conviction remained unwavering. The artists persisted not for commercial gain, but because they believed in the mission.
18.12.2021 — Bhagwaan Jagannatha Katha|||
Inspired by a calling to bring the timeless story, philosophy and culture of Lord Jagannatha to people beyond the boundaries of Odisha, Dhananjay Kapoor wrote and developed the monumental theatrical production titled "Bhagwaan Jagannath Katha."
Authentically based on references from the Skanda Purana, Vedic literature and traditional Odia folklore, the production sought not merely to narrate the divine story of Jagannatha but to create a deeply immersive spiritual experience that would help audiences understand the philosophy, symbolism and cultural significance of the Lord of the Universe.
When the production finally reached audiences, the response was overwhelming.
Growing Through Faith|||
Multiple stagings of the theatrical play, Bhagwaan Jagannatha Katha, and cultural evenings expanded the reach of BHANDIRA TREE and Jagannatha epic and culture.
Across Mumbai, Odisha and Gujarat, audiences witnessed something they had rarely experienced before: a large-scale theatrical presentation dedicated entirely to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha.
Newspapers in Maharashtra, Odisha and Gujarat covered the performances extensively. The production was praised for its research, storytelling, spiritual depth and ability to captivate audiences across generations. Reviews consistently highlighted the unique atmosphere created by the play and its ability to transport viewers into the world of Jagannatha.
Many audience members described the experience not as a performance, but as a form of darshan. Senior journalists, devotees, respected personalities, cultural organisations and spiritual leaders expressed their appreciation. Letters of encouragement were received from distinguished individuals and institutions who recognised the production's role in taking the story of Lord Jagannatha to new audiences and younger generations.
02.09.2024 — Shree JBS Trust Established|||
What became increasingly clear was that people were not merely responding to a theatrical production. They were responding to a larger need. A need to reconnect with India's spiritual and cultural heritage. A need to experience devotion collectively. A need to engage with "JAGANNATHA" — the Nath (protector) of the Universe through storytelling, music, theatre, festivals and shared acts of seva like Jagannatha Prasadam, Tulsi-Chandan Shringar, Aarti and Geet Govind.
It was from this realisation that Shree Jagannatha Balabhadra Subhadra Charitable Trust was born. The Trust was established as a vehicle to continue and expand this mission: preserving, celebrating and sharing Jagannatha culture through festivals, cultural programs, devotional music, theatrical productions, storytelling initiatives and community participation.
June 2025 — The Lord Jagannatha Cultural Theatrical & Musical Festival|||
A two-day "The Lord Jagannatha Cultural Theatrical & Musical Festival" was held in Mumbai that mesmerised the Jagannatha devotees... a spiritual and cultural experience that they had never felt ever before in their life — inspiring the idea of RATH UTSAV 2026.
July 2026 — First Rath Utsav, Mumbai: A New Chapter|||
Through the 12-Day splendid and spectacular RATH UTSAV that features Rath Yatra, Bhagwaan Jagannath Katha, Bhajan Sandhya, Jagannatha Prasad Seva, Suna Besha, Niladri Bije and the cultural activities of BHANDIRA TREE, the Trust continues its mission to create meaningful experiences, rooted in the authentic sacred traditions of Puri, that inspire devotion, strengthen community bonds and ensure that the timeless legacy of Param Brahma Jagannatha reaches future generations.
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