Kalinga Mahotsav - Odisha

Kalinga Mahotsav - Odisha

Kalinga Mahotsav is celebrated to mark the major victory of peace over war when Kalinga (part of Odisha) once witnessed a battle during the reign of Ashoka.

When people celebrate their heritages and ways of life, the spirit of revelry crosses languages, continents, and cultures.
For the people of Orissa Dhauli hill at the outskirts of Bhubaneswar is more a living experience than a memory. Twenty-three hundred years ago, their forefathers fought one among the fiercest battles in human history against Emperor Ashok. 

They suffered the loss of 100 thousand men, lost the war, but gained immortality because they metamorphosed a warring monarch into an apostle of non-violence and peace. The festival may be a fitting tribute to the victory of Peace over War where renowned dancers of India perform harmonizing the vigor of self-defense with sublime dance forms.

The Martial dancers interpret incredible postures of aggression, self-defense and escape in graceful dance-forms with their swords, spears, and shields. the joys the audience with their rhythm and precision of movement.


Kalinga Mahotsav, a wonderful feast of dizzying dancing and dynamic stage presentations, is held at Capitol Hill of the famous Peace Pagoda.

 It showcases the colourful traditions of martial arts in India through a colourful display of dances and music. 

The calm and solemn statue of Buddha overlooking the whole stage from the highest of the stupa and therefore the tranquil expanse of the countryside populated by paddy fields and cashew plantations provides a peaceful background to the outburst of movements and sounds which accompany the performance of the martial artists. 

The aim of the festival is to harmonize the vigor of martial tradition with the sublimity of peace through the art of dance.

Organized since 2003 in association with Orissa Dance Academy, on the foothills of the heritage site, Dhauli, the Mahotsav, has created an area for itself within the cultural map of the country. 

Hosting nearly 500 artists from across India, the Mahotsav stands apart together of the foremost prestigious and diverse festivals to be held in Odisha. 

As a Buddhist heritage site, Dhauli is a perfect place for celebrating India’s legacy of cultural coexistence and that we take great pride in promoting its tourist potential.

The aim of organizing this Mahotsav is to stay alive the traditional culture and make awareness amongst the young generation. the target is to preserve, promote, and popularize the heritage at the national and international levels. 

Under the auspices of Dhauli’s rich historical and spiritual base, an effort is formed to compile artists of diverse disciplines within the spirit of cultural solidarity. 

The ambiance is enchanting, performances enthralling, and therefore the atmosphere encompassing, a real presentation of artistic excellence.

For More Details please visit - https://www.odishahospitality.com  /  http://www.elicitodisha.com/

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