The Rajarani Music Festival 2026, organised jointly by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture and the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, concluded today on a mesmerising note at the open-air stage in the historic Rajarani Temple premises.
The closing evening featured a captivating tabla and mardala jugalbandi led by Guru Vishwa Ranjan Nand, accompanied by Guru Vijay Kumar Das on tabla, Guru Buddhanath Swain and Guru Arup Das on mardala, Guru Prashant Kumar on violin, and Guru Sri Nivas Satapathy on flute. The rhythmic synergy left the audience spellbound.
This was followed by a soul-stirring Hindustani classical vocal recital by Pandit Ullas Kashalkar, supported by Pandit Suresh Talwalkar on tabla and Shri Ameya Bichu on harmonium. His flawless voice and intricate raga elaboration mesmerised the listeners.
Prominent dignitaries present included Secretary, Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary of Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Dr. Chandrasekhar Hota, renowned Odissi vocalist Professor Ramhari Das, Guru Gopal Chandra Panda, and distinguished mardala exponent Guru Sachidananda Das.
Held from January 16 to 18, the three-day festival showcased renowned artists from Odisha and across India. Performances included Odissi music by Guru Achyuta Maharana and group, “Taal Kirtan” by Padma Shri Pandit Suresh Talwalkar and group, Carnatic music by Dr. Sumitra Basudev, Hindustani vocal by Pandit Ullas Kashalkar, tabla-mardala jugalbandi by Guru Vishwa Ranjan Nand and group, and instrumental music by Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori.
A major highlight this year was the “Classical Music Selfie Point”, which drew huge crowds, especially foreign tourists and youth. Beautifully displayed classical instruments created an interactive attraction that added to the festival’s charm.
The festival once again celebrated India’s rich classical music heritage against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Rajarani Temple.
