Bhubaneswar: The soulful strains of Raaga Mangala Gujjari, the collective rendition of traditional Odissi compositions and the rhythmic grace of classical dance set the tone for the inaugural evening of the two-day 14th Odissi Raaga Mahotsav and Awards Ceremony 2026 in Bhubaneswar on Friday (Nov 6). Bringing together the musical and choreographic traditions of Odisha, the festival sought to celebrate the distinct identity of Odissi music while renewing the call for its recognition and growth as a classical music tradition.
Organised by the Guru Gopal Panda Odissi Academy, the two-day festival was inaugurated at Utkal Rangamanch on the premises of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre. The event continued on Saturday (Nov 7), from 10 am to 9 pm, featuring performances and discussions by renowned musicians, gurus and artistes from across the country.
A key highlight of the inaugural evening was ‘Odishi Brunda Gayana’, featuring Raaga Mangala Gujjari and presented by senior disciples of the academy. The group rendition brought out the devotional depth and distinctive musical character of Odissi compositions, with harmonious orchestration and disciplined vocal expression. The performance also reflected the collective training and musical understanding developed by the senior disciples.
Another major presentation of the evening was ‘Bibidhata’, a musical showcase exploring the diverse dimensions of Odissi music. Through varied musical expressions, the presentation highlighted the richness, aesthetic appeal and distinctive identities within the tradition, giving the audience an opportunity to experience its multiple facets.
The evening also featured an Odissi dance presentation by Guru Asish Kumar Das and his team. Combining intricate rhythmic patterns, graceful movements, ornamental gestures and expressive abhinaya, the performance showcased the aesthetic richness of the classical dance form through a fresh choreographic interpretation. The synchronised movements and artistic execution received the audience’s attention.
The recipients of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Ileana Citaristi, Bichitrananda Swain and Sachidananda Das — were honoured along with Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar recipients Gaurishankar Das, Matruprasad Das and Debiprasad Dash.