Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, on Friday evening inaugurated the Mukteswar Dance Festival 2026, one of the most prestigious celebrations of Odissi dance, at the historic Mukteswar Temple premises in Bhubaneswar.
The annual cultural festival, which began on January 21, will continue until January 25. Renowned Odissi dancers of national and international repute will perform daily during the five-day event, attracting art lovers, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country.
While inaugurating the festival, the Chief Minister highlighted the architectural grandeur and heritage value of the Mukteswar Temple. He stated that the Mukteswar Dance Festival has played a vital role in enhancing the recognition and appreciation of Odissi dance at both national and global levels.
The festival is organised every year by the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi with the support of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department of the Government of Odisha. Over the years, it has emerged as a signature cultural event of Bhubaneswar and an important platform for promoting Odisha’s rich archaeological heritage and classical dance traditions.
The Chief Minister noted that the festival not only strengthens the global presence of Odissi dance but also contributes significantly to cultural tourism by showcasing Odisha’s unique artistic legacy at an iconic heritage site.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj; Ekamra–Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh; Culture Secretary Bijay Ketan Upadhyay; Additional Chief Secretary Dev Prasad Dash; and Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Secretary Chandrasekhar Hota, among other dignitaries.
