Bhubaneswar (Dhauli) : – The 22nd Dhauli – Kalinga Mahotsav jointly organized by Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha and Orissa Dance Academy in association with Art Vision. The main objective for organization of this festival is to preserve, promote and popularize the heritage at the national and international level. The festival is a unique confluence of more than 300 artistes belonging to various art forms of Indian dance tradition and it celebrates unity in diversity. This festival is organized from 6th – 9th February 2026 at the foothill of Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Bhubaneswar. This year Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav celebrates Golden Jubilee Year of Orissa Dance Academy. The festival was Live in DD-Bharati and repeat telecasted in DD-Odia Channel.
This year Guru Gangadhar Smruti Samman 2026 presented to Smt. Sikata Das, Eminent Odissi danseuse, Shri Manmath Kumar Satapathy, Noted Theater Personality and Cultural Revivalist, Guru Keshab Chandra Rout, Renowned Singer & Composer and Dr. Chitta Ranjan Mallia, Noted Scholar.
The first programme of the inaugural evening was Odissi Dance Drama by Debamitra Sengupta is an internationally acclaimed Odissi exponent and Director of Kolkata Mayur Lalit Dance Academy, and a senior disciple of Late Padmavibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. They were presented ‘Snehamayee Ganga’, the river Ganges as described in the Puranas – Valmiki Ramayana and Brahma Purana, its course and the civilisations that were cradled on its banks from times immemorial, progressing into modern-day pollution which chokes the Ganges in the present India. The music composed by Guru Sukanta Kundu, rhythm composed by Guru Dhaneswar Swain and dance choreographed by Guru Debamitra Sengupta.
Evening last presentation was Purulia Chhau Dance by Shri Susanta Mahato & group, Kalipada Chhau Nritya Samity, Purulia. They were presented Mahishasura Badha narrates the mythological battle between Goddess Durga and the demon king Mahishasura, who represents arrogance and evil. The demon, empowered by a boon, spreads terror across the heavens and earth. To restore cosmic balance, Goddess Durga emerges with divine strength to confront him. Presented in the dynamic Purulia Chhau tradition, the performance features powerful movements, leaps, and dramatic masked expressions. The intense combat scenes highlight bravery, energy, and rhythm. The dance-drama concludes with the slaying of Mahishasura, symbolizing the eternal victory of good over evil and the restoration of peace.
The dignitaries who graced the occasion were Shri Sujyabanshi Suraj, Hon’ble Minister, Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, Odia Language Literature & Culture Department; Shri Babu Singh, Hon’ble MLA, Ekamra- Bhubaneswar; Shri Jagannath Pradhan, BJP Leader; Smt. Nirupama Sahoo, Bhubaneswar Block Chairman; Shri Sitakanta Das, Founder Kalinga Hospital; Prof. Ramhari Das, Eminent Odissi Vocalist; Shri Deba Prasad Dash, Special Secretary, Odia Language, Literature, Culture; Dr. Chandrasekhar Hota, Secretary, Odisha Sangita Natak Akademi; Shri Chandan Mallik, Dhauli Sarapanch and Guru Dr. Aruna Mohanty, Secretary, Orissa Dance Academy. The programme was anchored by Dr. Srinivas Ghatuari and Dr. Nazia Alam.
