Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsava - Celebrating the Buddhist legacy of Odisha

A symbol of Buddhist legacy in Odisha, the International Peace Pagoda at Dhauli stands for peace and harmony in the world. The message of peace is reinforced through dance forms at the annual Dhauli and Kalinga Mahotsav, staged in the foothills of the Buddhist monastery. Hosted together by the State Culture and Tourism Department and Odisha Dance Academy, Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav is a merger of two festivals that were independently hosted earlier. 

Both the festivals had started in 2003 and while the Dhauli Mahotsav was being organised by Odisha Dance Academy at the foothills of Dhauli, the Kalinga Mahotsav, conducted by Art Vision, was held right in the courtyard of the majestic pagoda. But since 2011, both teams combined to organize the two dance festivals around the Dhauli pagoda. Dhauli Mahotsav is a collage of classical and folk dance forms while Kalinga Mahotsav is a kaleidoscope of martial dance forms. 

After the festivals have come together, visitors get to see plethora of performances including instrumental, classical and folk dances as well as striking and unique martial dance forms. The three day festival features top notch artistes from across India in every segment of performance. While the folk and classical dancers usually depict tales from Indian mythology and focus on the spiritual aspect, the martial dance forms showcase unbelievable acrobatic moves and well synced steps portraying not just vigour and strength of the body but also determination and strength of mind. A special bus service is arranged for tourists and visitors from Bhubaneswar to enjoy the festival in the scenic setting of Dhauli fields with the brightly lit peace pagoda in the backdrop.

Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav Festival Dates	2nd February to 5th February every year
Duration	3 Days
Timings	6 PM - 8.30 PM
Venue	Dhauli Hill