Mukteswar Dance Festival 2026 Inaugurated by CM Majhi at Bhubaneswar’s Mukteswar Temple
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Mukteswar Dance Festival 2026 at the historic Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday evening.
The five‑day cultural extravaganza, running from January 21 to 25, celebrates the timeless beauty of Odissi dance against the backdrop of one of the state’s most iconic monuments.
The festival, organised annually by the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi with support from the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, has become a signature event in the capital city’s cultural calendar.
Each evening features performances by renowned Odissi dancers of national and international acclaim, drawing art lovers, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe.
Speaking at the inauguration, CM Majhi highlighted the architectural grandeur of the Mukteswar Temple and emphasised the festival’s role in enhancing Odisha’s global cultural footprint.
He noted that the event not only preserves the state’s rich artistic heritage but also strengthens cultural tourism.
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.
With its blend of heritage, art, and devotion, the Mukteswar Dance Festival continues to showcase Odisha’s classical traditions while positioning Bhubaneswar as a vibrant hub of cultural tourism.
