Odishi Raaga Mohatsav

The Odishi Raga Mahotsav was established in 2013 under the visionary guidance of eminent Odissi musicologist, vocalist, and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, Pandit Guru Gopal Chandra Panda. Through the Guru Gopal Panda Odishi Academy, this unique festival was created to anchor Odissi dance back to its foundational musical roots, emphasizing structurally authentic Odissi ragas (such as Krusna Kedara, Rasa Manjari, Khambabati, and Desakhya) painstakingly researched and documented by Guruji.

Unlike typical dance-first festivals, the Raga Mahotsav places classical Odissi music at the forefront. The evenings feature pure Odissi vocal recitals, Mardala ensembles, and specially choreographed Odissi dance performances (Pallavis and Abhinayas) set strictly to Guru Gopal Panda’s musical compositions and Jayadeva's Gita Govinda ashtapadis.

The festival also serves as a felicitation platform honoring significant contributions to Odissi art through three prestigious annual awards:

• Guru Singhari Samman: Awarded to veteran gurus and masters (past recipients include Dr. Minati Mishra and Guru Ramhari Das).
• Bhagabati Smruti Samman: Honoring senior artists and scholars.
• Guru Gopal Panda Yuva Pratibha Samman: Recognizing promising young virtuosos in Odissi music and dance.