The iconic Khandagiri Yatra Mahakumbh, a 12-day cultural extravaganza at the ancient Jain caves in Bhubaneswar, has commenced amid promises of family-friendly entertainment and a zero-tolerance policy toward vulgarity.
BJP’s Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, in a special press conference, issued a stern warning to organisers, stating that any indecent dances or inappropriate acts would face severe government repercussions.
ଖଣ୍ଡଗିରି କୁମ୍ଭମେଳା ଓ ଆନ୍ତର୍ଜାତୀୟ ଐର ଖାରବେଳ ମହୋତ୍ସବ ୨୦୨୬ କୁ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ସ୍ଵାଗତ।ଏ ବର୍ଷ ଆନ୍ତରଜାତୀୟ ଐର ଖାରବେଳ ମହୋତ୍ସବ ଏଇ ମାସ ୨୯ ,୩୦ ଏବଂ ୩୧ ତାରିଖରେ ତିନି ଦିନ ବ୍ୟାପୀ ଖଣ୍ଡଗିରୀ ସ୍ଥିତ ପାନ୍ଥୀକା ଠାରେ ଅନୁଷ୍ଠିତ ହେବ ।ଅଶ୍ଳୀଳ ପରମ୍ପରା ବିରୁଦ୍ଧରେ ଲଢି ଓଡିଶା ସଂସ୍କୃତିକୁ ଅକ୍ଷୁର୍ଣ୍ଣ ରଖିବା ଆମର ଉଦେଶ୍ୟ ବୋଲି pic.twitter.com/beTjOxqUyh
— Babu Singh (@babusinghodisha) January 27, 2026
The festival, which draws lakhs of visitors annually, aims to preserve Odisha’s rich cultural heritage while ensuring decorum at the religious site. Singh revealed that prior discussions were held with all yatra committees, who have committed to adhering to guidelines.
The police have issued a 14-point directive to all committees, emphasising the prohibition of obscene dances, provocative songs, and other anti-social activities, alongside measures for safety and order.
This year’s event follows complaints from previous editions about vulgar item numbers and explicit performances, prompting stricter enforcement. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) had earlier released guidelines on January 2 to curb indecency in yatras and festivals.
Singh’s initiative has been welcomed by social activists, who see it as a step toward safeguarding traditional values.
On the opening day, no untoward incidents were reported, with four yatra troupes staging plays. Indira Sanskritik Parishad presented “Tu Mo Bajrangi” featuring renowned actor Piyush Tripathy on the Rani Singh Bahini stage. At Ghatikia Sanatan, Konark Gananatya performed “Tu Barbada Mo Bhagya Re Nahin.” Harekrushna Mahatab Manch hosted Ashok Samrat Opera’s “Adha Rahigala Ama Kahani,” while Anantakeshari Deb Pendal saw Dhauli Gananatya’s “Chandashoka.”
A total of 15 yatra troupes will showcase traditional Odia dramas over the festival period. Enthusiasm among spectators was evident, with long queues at ticket counters from early morning. Police have deployed tight security to prevent any disruptions.
Organisers have pledged full compliance with the rules, and the coming days will test the effectiveness of these measures in maintaining the event’s sanctity.
As crowds continue to flock to Khandagiri, the focus remains on celebrating Odisha’s performing arts without compromising on cultural integrity.
