Bhubaneswar, Jan 24: The three-day Mukteshwar Nrutya Utsav 2026, a grand celebration of Odissi dance, was inaugurated on Thursday 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. The event will feature performances by renowned Odissi dancers from across the country and abroad, attracting dance connoisseurs, tourists and culture enthusiasts.
While inaugurating the festival, the Chief Minister highlighted the unique architectural heritage of the Mukteshwar Temple and emphasised the role of the Mukteshwar Nrutya Utsav in promoting Odissi dance at both national and international levels. He said the festival has evolved into a distinctive cultural event in the state capital, contributing significantly to the global recognition of Odissi dance while also enhancing awareness of Odisha’s rich archaeological heritage.
Over the years, the Mukteshwar Nrutya Utsav has emerged as a major cultural attraction in Bhubaneswar, enriching the city’s tourism landscape and fostering a deeper appreciation of 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 the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Chandrasekhar Hota, along with eminent artistes and cultural dignitaries.
