The spirit of India can be experienced through the variety of festivals which are celebrated across the country round the year. Each festival has a unique essence and flavour that mirrorsthe culture and traditions exclusive to the place. Every State has its own cultural heritage and Odisha is no exception. A land of varied cultures and architectural marvels, Odisha is a storehouse of folklores and traditions that are reflected in its festivals. Though there arecelebrations during summer and spring, it is during winters that the cultural festivals get more colourful.
So if you are planning to visit Odisha during the winters, here are the top 5 cultural festivals
that you must attend to understand the rich heritage and history of the State, right in the
capital city of Bhubaneswar.
Mukteswar Dance festival
The oldest surviving classical dance form in India, Odissi falls under the dance-drama genre
of performance art. This dance form, originating from the ancient Hindu temples of Odisha,
is hard to master as the focus is mostly on expressions and ritual hand gestures. Mukteswar
Dance Festival commemorates this vibrant art form for three consecutive days from the
January 14 to 16 every year. First started in 1984, the festival is held at one of the most
important religious attractions of the city – Mukteswar temple. Renowned dancers from
across the State perform at the festival while connoisseurs of classical dance from all over the
globe visit Bhubaneswar every year to witness the intricate moves of Odissi.
blissful state. Over the years, we have had many significant artistes who have kept this rich
art form alive with their beguiling voice and expertise in playing the traditional instruments.
Raja Rani Music Festival gives a platform to these artistes to enchant the audience at the
historic Raja Rani Temple in January every year. The festival not only celebrates Odissi
music but also other forms of traditional Indian classical music. Music lovers from across the
world attend the festival to revel in the spirituality of the melodious Raagas.
Sasmita Das, a resident of Bhubaneswar, says, “I have always been a fan of classical music.
Attending the Raja Rani Music Festival is a must for anyone who loves music. The notes and
Raagas hit the senses, and there is always something new. One can get mesmerised by the
setup and the ambience.”
Ekamra Utsav
in the city. It promotes textile industry of the State as signature handloom works from various
regions are exhibited here every year. It also gives a platform to artisans to create handicraft
marvels. Apart cultural programmes showcasing classical and folk art, visitors also get to
experience the culinary delights served to them in the form of delicacies at the food festival
during the festival.
- Kalinga Mahotsav
such event is the Kalinga war which is the deadliest battle witnessed by the people of Odisha.
Kalinga Mahotsav aims at delivering the message of Emperor Ashoka’s transformation, the
potency of peace over war and the true essence of Martial Arts and warfare techniques.
Martial artists from all over the country participate in the festival and give exciting
performances. The audience is treated with different forms of martial art like Paika from
Odisha, Thang Ta from Manipur and many more. The festival aims to keep the vibrant
traditions of martial arts alive.
- Adivasi Mela
communities of Odisha and their art, culture, music and tradition. This is one of the most
popular festivals of Odisha as it offers a chance for people to converse with tribal culture and
their roots. Tourists from all over the world visit the festival to take home the finest
handicraft and arts produced by the tribal groups. Organised every year, it is one of the
longest running festivals of the State.
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