Orissa is on India’s east coast, bordering the Bay of Bengal. It comes to life with festivals dedicated to traditional dance and music throughout the chilly winter months. The state is home to Odissi, one of India’s eight traditional dance genres. The dance genre developed in ancient Hindu temples in Odisha and is connected with the devotion to Lord Jagannath, a prominent deity. It is traditionally associated with Lord Krishna and his lover Radha.
Odissi is considered to be India’s oldest existing dance genre. Archaeological evidence dates back to the first century BC. Bharat Natyam, another Indian classical dance form based on temple dance customs, is also popular in Odisha. The state also contains a variety of traditional and tribal dances, such as Chhau.
Attend these prominent Odisha festivals to see fascinating music and dance acts at some of the state’s best-known temples.
We have listed the Top 5 Popular Music and Dance Festivals in Odisha below.
1. Konark Dance Festival
This celebration transcends faiths and cultures by focusing only on the Konark Sun Temple’s grandeur and Odissi dance’s grace. The Festival is held to honour the historic beauty of the Konark Temple. As the sun sets, the temple looks lively, with lights enhancing its splendour.
Odissi dancer Gangadhar Pradhan’s Odisha Dance Academy hosts the Konark Dance Festival at Konark Natya Mandap. Famous classical dancers gather to participate in this magnificent Festival, which people worldwide appreciate. Read More: Konark Dance and Music Festival 2023: Dates, Ticket, Schedule, History
- The month of Celebration: February
- No. of Celebration Days: 5 Days
2. Mukteshwar Dance Festival
The Mukteshwar Dance Festival focuses solely on Odissi dance. Solo, duet, and ensemble Odissi dance performances by young and older artists are also included. The event has renowned troupes from Odisha and other parts of India.
It takes place in the courtyard of one of the oldest essential and well-preserved temple complexes in Bhubaneswar, over 1,100 years old. The Mukteshwar shrine is among Bhubaneshwar’s tiniest and most tiny temples. It is famed, however, for its unusual stone archway & ceiling with an eight-petal lotus.
- The month of Celebration: January
- No. of Celebration Days: 3 Days
3. Beach Festival at Puri
The yearly Puri Beach Festival is symbolized by sun, sand, & sea, as well as a cultural feast of classical and modern acts. Artists from across India, Russia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and other nations assemble in this colourful seaside Festival. This Festival’s entertaining events, fashion and cultural displays, exhibitions, beach activities, and excellent cuisine will keep any visitor captivated.
You may even experience the genuine essence of Odisha by watching unique sand paintings & handicrafts right on the beach. This event is no less than any other International fest, from revelling with the locals to enjoying the beautiful evenings!
- The month of Celebration: November
- No. of Celebration Days: 5 Days
Check also folk dance of Karnataka: Top Folk Dances of Karnataka You Must Experience
4. Music Festival Raja Rani
The three-day annual musical Festival, held on the grounds of the beautiful Rajarani temple, emanates an unrivalled charm that adds to the event’s ambience. The musical soiree, which involves musicians from throughout the country, is in high demand among classical music fans.
The Festival offers a showcase for traditional Indian music, whether it’s the resonant instruments of India or the mellifluous vocal styles of Hindustani, Carnatic, or Odisha’s local Odissi music. The Rajarani Music Festival constantly supports and provides a platform for our musical heritage to captivate the audience.
- The month of Celebration: January
- No. of Celebration Days: 3 Days
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5. Mahotsav Dhauli Kalinga
The Pagoda, a sign of Buddhist heritage in Odisha, is a lasting emblem of harmony and peace worldwide and is sometimes referred to as the Global Peace Pagoda. The message of peace is emphasized via numerous traditional performing arts performed by famous exponents—the Odisha Dance Academy and the State Tourism and Culture Department co-host the event.
The celebration began in 2003 as two separate festivals merged into one in 2011 and became known as Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav. The Peace Pagoda changes itself throughout the three-day event beneath the starlit skies and creative brilliance of the performers, leaving the spectators with experiences to savour for days to come. The event is a mash-up of classical music, dance, and folk dance styles that symbolize India’s varied cultural colours.
The Festival does not have an admission price. Tourists and visitors from Bhubaneswar may enjoy the event in the gorgeous setting of Dhauli fields, with the brightly lighted peace pagoda in the background, thanks to a particular bus service.
- The month of Celebration: February
- No. of Celebration Days: 3 Days
Conclusion
Every aspect of our beloved India will greet you with festive cheer. The colourful culture, rich rituals, festivity, and a plate full of delectable food. After all, this is what India- the land festival- is known for. Orrisa is one place in India where festivals rule people’s joyful life. As a land of many religions and tribes, the people celebrate various festivals throughout the year.
To learn more about Odisha:
- 20 Famous Odisha Tourist Destinations to Visit
- Top 10 Most Popular Beaches in Odisha
- Odisha’s Top 10 Famous Waterfalls
- 10 Most Famous Temples in Odisha
- Odisha Popular Honeymoon Romantic Places
- Top 6 Buddhist Heritage Sites In Odisha
- Odisha 7 Famous Hill Stations to See
- Konark Sun Temple Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know
- 10 facts about the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
