Bhubaneswar, January 24: The Mukteswar Dance Festival-2026 has emerged as a major attraction for foreign tourists, with visitors from Russia, Israel, USA and several other countries gathering at the historic Mukteswar Temple to experience the splendour of Odisha’s classical dance and cultural heritage.

The three-day festival, being held from 23rd to 25th January, is jointly organised by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department and the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi.

The festival was inaugurated on January 23 by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who highlighted the unique architectural beauty of the Mukteswar Temple and the global appeal of Odissi dance.

In his address, the Chief Minister said, "Mukteswar Dance Festival has been playing an important role in enhancing the recognition and popularity of Odissi dance."

He noted that the annual festival has become a unique cultural event of Bhubaneswar for tourists and culture enthusiasts, contributing to the promotion of Odisha’s renowned archaeological heritage and classical art traditions.

Renowned Odissi dancers and groups captivated the audience with their performances, including Kaustavi Sarkar; Bibhu Prasad Behera & Akankhya Das; Rinku Kumar Sahoo; Rahul Varshney & Mridula Naik; Lucky Prajna Pratisthita Mohanty; Sayani Chakraborty & Subham Kumar Ojha. Chorus presentations by artists of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre, along with performances by dance groups from Odissi Dance Celebration, Tridhara and Biswanath Sangeetalaya, added to the festival’s grandeur.

Foreign visitors expressed deep admiration for Odisha’s culture and the elegance of Odissi dance. A tourist from Russia said, “The beauty of Odissi dance, performed in such a historic temple, is mesmerizing. It reflects the soul of Odisha’s culture and history.”

An Israeli visitor remarked, “This festival is a perfect blend of architecture, spirituality and classical dance. It is an unforgettable cultural experience and a strong reason for international tourists to visit Odisha.”

With its growing international appeal, the Mukteswar Dance Festival–2026 continues to strengthen Odisha’s cultural footprint on the global stage, transforming Bhubaneswar into a vibrant hub for heritage tourism and classical arts.