Dhauli–Kalinga Mahotsav to Begin on February 6 at Dhauli Foothills
Dhauli–Kalinga Mahotsav Returns with Message of Peace Through Performing Arts
Bhubaneswar: The serene foothills of Dhauli will once again come alive with rhythm, movement and harmony as the 22nd Dhauli–Kalinga Mahotsav unfolds from February 6 to 8, 2026, at 6.30 pm at Shanti Vihar, against the iconic Peace Pagoda.
Organised by the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, Government of Odisha, and the Orissa Dance Academy (ODA), in association with the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Art Vision, the festival continues its legacy of promoting peace through the medium of Indian performing arts.
Held annually in February, the Mahotsav transforms the tranquil Dhauli hills into a vibrant cultural arena, where leading artistes from across the country and abroad present a rich tapestry of classical, folk and martial dance forms, along with diverse musical traditions. Nearly 300 artistes are expected to participate this year, reaffirming the festival’s stature as a major cultural congregation in eastern India.
A key highlight of the Mahotsav is the presentation of its prestigious awards. The Buddha Samman, instituted 18 years ago by ODA, will be conferred on Dr. Ananta Mohapatra, eminent theatre personality, carrying a citation, anga bastra and a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh.
In its Golden Jubilee year, ODA will also present the special Swarna Smaraki Samman to Shri Lalit Mansingh, former Indian diplomat and a noted patron of Indian performing arts.
The Guru Gangadhar Smruti Samman, instituted in memory of Padmashree awardee and ODA founder Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, will be awarded to four distinguished personalities this year—Odissi dancer Smt. Sikata Das, renowned singer and composer Guru Keshab Charan Rout, theatre personality and cultural revivalist Shri Manmath Satapathy, and scholar Dr. Chittaranjan Mallia. Each award carries a citation, anga bastra and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
The three-day cultural extravaganza will feature a diverse line-up of performances, beginning with Odissi dance by Debamitra Sengupta and group and Purulia Chhau by Susanta Mahato and troupe on the opening day. The second evening will showcase Odissi by Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bharatanatyam by Arupa Lahiry and group, and Mayurbhanj Chhau by Haripada Mohanta’s ensemble.
The festival will conclude with Patha Rajapatha, a fusion presentation by ODA, followed by Kathak by Souvik Chakraborty and group, and Kalaripayattu by Belraj Soni and troupe from Kerala.
Rooted in the historic land of Kalinga, the Mahotsav continues to uphold its founding vision of peace, cultural harmony and artistic excellence, making Dhauli a timeless meeting ground for art, history and spirituality.