Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav

The Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav celebrates the Buddhist legacy of Odisha and the universal message of peace and harmony at the foothills of the International Peace Pagoda on Dhauli Hill—the historic site overlooking the Daya River where Emperor Ashoka renounced warfare to embrace Buddhism.

The festival in its current grand format is a merger of two standalone festivals that both began in 2003

• Dhauli Mahotsav: Instituted in 2003 by the Orissa Dance Academy (ODA) at the foothills of Dhauli, presenting a rich collage of classical and folk dances.
• Kalinga Mahotsav: Initiated in 2003 by Art Vision (founded by Dr. Ileana Citaristi) in the courtyard of the majestic pagoda as a national martial dance festival.

In 2011, both festivals formally combined under the aegis of the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Odisha, creating an integrated cultural event. Over three evenings, the festival presents a dialogue across three artistic segments:

• Classical & Folk Dance: Where exponents depict tales from Indian mythology with a deep spiritual resonance.
• Martial Dance Forms: Showcasing acrobatic movement, strength, and mental discipline through traditions like Mayurbhanj Chhau, Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta, and Paika Akhada.
• Instrumental & Ensemble Music: Featuring classical recitals and percussion ensembles.

To create a holistic cultural atmosphere, the open-air performances are complemented by an adjoining art exhibition and local food festival celebrating Odisha's culinary flavors. The event is free and open to the public, with dedicated shuttle bus services operated by Odisha Tourism connecting downtown Bhubaneswar directly with Dhauli Hill, ensuring an accessible and seamless experience for travellers, art lovers, and connoisseurs.