Bhubaneswar: The three-day Mukteshwar Nrutya Utsav 2026, a grand celebration of Odissi dance, was inaugurated this evening by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the historic Mukteshwar Temple premises in Bhubaneswar.
Organised by the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi under the aegis of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, the annual festival will continue until January 25. Renowned Odissi dancers from across the country and abroad will perform during the festival, drawing dance connoisseurs, tourists and culture enthusiasts.
While inaugurating the event, the Chief Minister highlighted the unique architectural heritage of the Mukteshwar Temple and underscored the festival’s role in promoting Odissi dance on national and international platforms. He said the Mukteshwar Nrutya Utsav has emerged as a distinctive cultural event in the state capital, contributing significantly to the global recognition of Odissi dance while simultaneously enhancing awareness of Odisha’s rich archaeological heritage.
“The festival not only strengthens our classical dance tradition but also serves as a medium to showcase Odisha’s ancient temples and cultural legacy to the world,” the Chief Minister remarked.
The event has become a major cultural attraction in Bhubaneswar, enriching the city’s tourism landscape and fostering greater appreciation for Odisha’s artistic traditions.
Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Culture Secretary Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Special Secretary (Administration) Deb Prasad Dash, and Secretary of Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Chandrasekhar Hota, along with eminent artistes and cultural dignitaries.
