Bhubaneswar: The concluding evening at the 22nd Dhauli–Kalinga Mahotsav unfolded as a magnificent celebration of India’s rich artistic heritage, seamlessly blending classical, folk, contemporary and martial traditions.
Organised by the department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, and Orissa Dance Academy, in association with Art Vision, the valedictory evening resonated with the festival’s enduring message of peace, creativity and cultural continuity.
Set against the serene backdrop of Dhauli, the evening left connoisseurs and art lovers deeply mesmerised with its evocative performances that reflected the spiritual and aesthetic legacy of Indian performing arts.
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On the occasion, the prestigious Buddha Samman 2026 was conferred upon eminent cinema and theatre personality Anant Mahapatra, in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the fields of cinema and theatre.
Marking the golden jubilee of Orissa Dance Academy, the Swarna Smaraki Samman was presented to former Indian diplomat and a distinguished patron of performing arts, Lalit Mansingh.
The evening opened with ‘Patha Rajapatha’, a visually arresting fusion of classical, folk and contemporary dance, presented by the dancers of Orissa Dance Academy, Bhubaneswar.
The second presentation featured a refi ned Kathak recital by Souvik Chakraborty and his troup,e Nrityadisha, Kolkata.
The performance included a Darbari set in Teen Taal and Raag Darbari, followed by a soulful ghazal highlighting the intimate baithaki bhava.
The festival concluded with ‘Sita’, a powerful Kalaripayattu martial arts production by Belraj Soni anda group of Navaneetham Cultural Trust, Kerala.
A reimagined epic, Sita unfolded through a compelling synthesis of martial arts, classical dance and theatre, offering a dynamic and deeply expressive portrayal of strength, resilience and feminine power.