Bhubaneswar, Jan 17: The much-anticipated Rajarani Music Festival is set to begin this Friday at the historic Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar, promising an enchanting experience of classical music in one of Odisha’s most iconic cultural settings.

Organized by the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi under the patronage of the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, the three-day festival will run until January 18 at the open-air stage located on the temple premises.

The inaugural evening will be graced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who will attend the event as the chief guest, marking the beginning of this annual celebration of Odisha’s rich musical heritage.

This year’s edition of the Rajarani Utsav promises a diverse and captivating lineup of performances by renowned musicians from Odisha and across India. The performances will include an array of classical traditions, such as Odissi Sangeet by Guru Achyuta Maharana and his group from Puri district, Taal Kirtan by Padma Shri awardee Pandit Suresh Talwar and his group, and performances by prominent artists like Dr. Sumitra Vasudev (Carnatic music), Dr. Ulhas Kashalkar (Hindustani music), Guru Bishwaranjan Nanda’s Tabla-Mardal jugalbandi, and Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori’s instrumental music performance.

Held at the 11th-century Rajarani Temple, which provides a stunning and atmospheric backdrop, the festival has become one of the most celebrated cultural events in Odisha. It is expected to attract thousands of visitors from both India and abroad, adding to the city's cultural vibrancy and making it one of the most anticipated events of the year.