22nd Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav 2026

Set against the serene backdrop of Shanti Vihar at the foothills of Dhauli, the 22nd Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav unfolded over three mesmerizing evenings from February 6 to 8, 2026. This special edition grandly celebrated the Golden Jubilee Year of the Orissa Dance Academy, drawing audiences to witness a breathtaking synthesis of India's classical grace and martial vigor.

The festival opened on Friday with an evocative Odissi recital by Debamitra Sengupta and the Kolkata Mayur Lalit Dance Academy, followed by the high-octane acrobatic storytelling of Purulia Chhau led by Susanta Mahato's troupe from West Bengal. Saturday evening expanded the cultural canvas, featuring Odissi by the students of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, a vibrant Bharatnatyam presentation by Gujarat's Arupa Lahiry and her group, and the indigenous martial rhythms of Mayurbhanj Chhau by Haripada Mohanta's ensemble.

The grand finale on Sunday was a testament to artistic evolution, headlined by the Orissa Dance Academy's own "Patha Rajapatha"—a captivating fusion of classical, folk, and contemporary styles. The evening culminated with rhythmic Kathak footwork by Kolkata's Souvik Chakraborty and his Nrityadisha group, before leaving the audience spellbound with the striking sword and shield combats of Kalaripayattu, executed flawlessly by Belraj Soni and the Navaneetham Cultural Trust from Kerala.