Mukteswar Dance Festival–2026 Draws Global Audience, Showcases Odisha’s Cultural Grandeur

Bhubaneswar: The Mukteswar Dance Festival–2026 has emerged as a major cultural attraction for international tourists, with visitors from Russia, Israel, the United States and several other countries flocking to the historic Mukteswar Temple to witness the splendour of Odisha’s classical dance traditions. The three-day festival, being held from January 23 to 25, is jointly organised by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department and the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi.

The festival was inaugurated on January 23 by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who underscored the architectural magnificence of the Mukteswar Temple and the global resonance of Odissi dance. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the Mukteswar Dance Festival has played a significant role in enhancing the recognition and popularity of Odissi dance across the world. He noted that the annual event has become a distinctive cultural hallmark of Bhubaneswar, attracting tourists and culture enthusiasts while promoting Odisha’s rich archaeological heritage and classical art forms.

Celebrated Odissi dancers and ensembles enthralled audiences with evocative performances. Notable presentations included those by Kaustavi Sarkar; Bibhu Prasad Behera and Akankhya Das; Rinku Kumar Sahoo; Rahul Varshney and Mridula Naik; Lucky Prajna Pratisthita Mohanty; and Sayani Chakraborty with Subham Kumar Ojha. Chorus performances by artists of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre, along with group presentations from Odissi Dance Celebration, Tridhara and Biswanath Sangeetalaya, further enriched the festival’s artistic canvas.

Foreign visitors expressed admiration for Odisha’s cultural depth and the elegance of Odissi dance. A tourist from Russia described the experience as mesmerising, noting that witnessing Odissi against the backdrop of a historic temple beautifully reflected the soul of Odisha’s culture and history. An Israeli visitor remarked that the festival offered a rare blend of architecture, spirituality and classical dance, calling it an unforgettable cultural experience and a compelling reason for international tourists to visit the State.

With its growing international appeal, the Mukteswar Dance Festival–2026 continues to strengthen Odisha’s cultural presence on the global stage, reaffirming Bhubaneswar’s position as a vibrant hub for heritage tourism and classical arts.