19th Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav

Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav was previously being organized by Orissa Dance Academy and Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha in association with Ministry of Culture & Art Vision.

But this year, it has been decided by the State Government that the Mahotsav will be organized by Odia Language Literature & Culture Department, Govt. of Odisha & Orissa Dance Academy in association with Art vision.

Govt. of Odisha has great mission and vision for development of culture & tourism in Odisha. Cultural tourism is designed to develop and promote the prime tourism products, conservation of heritage, natural environment and rich wilderness so as to boost foreign & domestic tourist arrival in the state thereby promoting Odisha as one stop destination.

Every year in the month of February as the night engulfs the city; stars descend on the Peace Pagoda to unleash an array of bedazzling performances that leave the audience spellbound with their sheer brilliance. The Pagoda, a symbol of Buddhist legacy is an enduring symbol of peace and harmony in the world.

Dhauli Mahotsav is intended to permeate the gospel of peace through the concerts of classical & folk dances and music of India by integrating the quintessence of religions and faiths. While Kalinga Mahotsav sends the message of peace through the martial arts being represented from across the country and abroad. Near about 300 artistes from different disciplines participate in the mahotsav. The aim is to embrace many artistes into its cultural fold and aims at international cultural amity and harmony.

Buddha Samman:  This award has been instituted by ODA since last 15 years. Every year an eminent art personality from the field of creative and performing art, is being conferred on with this Samman which carries a citation, anga bastra and cash award of Rs. 1,00,000/-. This award is being instituted by Orissa Dance Academy, Bhubaneswar. This year Smt. Shyamamani Devi, Eminent Vocalist & Music Composer & Padma Shri Awardee will receive this award.

Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Smruti Samman: ODA has instituted another award in the memory of its founder Guru Shri Gangadhar Pradhan as “GURU GANGADHAR SMRUTI SAMMAN” since 2016. This year the award goes to four eminent personality of different field. They are Guru Bankim  Sethi, Renowned Music Composer and singer,  Guru Guru Niranjan Rout, Eminent Odissi Dance Guru, Guru Satchidananda Das, Renowned Mardala Exponent, Guru Sadasiba Pradhan, Eminent Mayurbhanj Chhau Exponent. This prestigious award carries a citation, anga bastra and cash award of Rs. 25,000/- to each awardees.