Bhubaneswar- the Temple City of India was earlier known as Ekamra Kshetra literally meaning the land of mango orchards. The name had a mythological significance as the mango orchards have a special relevance in the union of lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Thus Bhubaneswar is known to be a renowned Shaiva Pitha. Being the capital city of the culturally rich Odisha, Bhubaneswar has nourished and encouraged creativity in all forms. The city boasts of a unique tradition of arts, crafts, dance, music and literature. Anchored to its traditional roots, the city has matched steps with changing times and that too, quite gracefully! Ekamra- the Temple City Festival is an occasion to celebrate this unique dynamic spirit of Bhubaneswar. This festival showcases the impeccable blend of tradition and modernity, which is characteristic of the city. The various components of the festival revive the cultural heritage and simultaneously express Bhubaneswar’s acceptance of the modern outlook.

 

MUKTESWAR DANCE FESTIVAL Date: 14th-16th January 2011 Live Telecast in DD Bharati and Live Webcast in www.webcast.gov.in

Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar, famous for its elegantly carved arched gateway is considered as one of the finest examples of Orissan architecture. The complex of this legendary temple serves as the venue of the Mukteswar Dance Festival. This festival celebrates the unrivalled charisma of Odissi, the classical dance form of Odisha. Star Odissi dancers tapping their feet to the strokes of the accompanying instruments like mardal mesmerize the audience with their classic attire and graceful movements. Solo, duet and group  performances by these dancers, their abhinaya, bhangi and mudra give the onlookers a transcendental experience.

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RAJARANI MUSIC FESTIVAL Date: 18th- 20th January 2011

Odisha is a land of arts, crafts, literature, dance and music. The people of Odisha have always expressed their quest for creativity in any and every form. The Rajarani Music Festival held in the beautiful courtyard of the Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar is one such occasion to celebrate the richness and originality of Indian classical music. Evening concerts by great maestros of Indian Classical music fill the air with enchanting chimes. When these experts play on their musical instruments the listeners get captivated by the soul-lifting music.

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Kalinga Mahotsav is an annual event of martial dances held on the historically significant Dhauli hills on the bank of River Daya near Bhubaneswar.

With the giant white Peace Pagoda as the backdrop, the expert martial dancers exhibit incredible postures of aggression, defense and escape with a grace, par imagination. As one observes these stunning movements in front of the magnificent Buddhist monument under a starry sky, memories of the ancient Kalinga War which had led to the miraculous transformation of Emperor Ashoka become alive.




While the martial dancers thrill the audience with their rhythm and precision of movement, the Dhauli Stupa stands still delivering a message loud and clear that ‘peace reigns supreme’.