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Srjan—Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa, in collaboration with Sri Sri University, is all set to organise the 32nd edition of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Festival from September 5 to 9, 2026, at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. The five-day festival will begin at 7 pm every evening.

This year’s edition holds special significance as it coincides with the Birth Centenary Year celebrations of legendary Odissi guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.

Five-Day Celebration of Indian Classical Arts

One of Odisha’s most prestigious annual cultural festivals, the event will bring together leading artists from across India representing classical dance, music, theatre and cinema.

The festival has been curated under the artistic guidance of renowned Guru and artist Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, Director of Srjan and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Communication and Indic Studies at Sri Sri University.

Four Icons to Receive GKCM Award 2026

The Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award 2026 will be presented to four eminent personalities for their lifetime contributions to their respective fields.

The awardees are:

• Smt. Sharon Lowen – Odissi Dance
• Shri Keshab Chandra Rout – Odissi Music
• Shri Dhirendranath Mallick – Theatre
• Smt. Mahasweta Ray – Cinema

Each award carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a citation.

Kala Samman and Yuva Pratibha Samman

The second edition of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Kala Samman will recognise artists in the 40–55 age group. Shri Agnimitra Behera in instrumental violin and Sushree Nazia Alam in vocal music will receive the honour, along with ₹50,000 and a citation each.

The Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Yuva Pratibha Samman, carrying ₹25,000 and a citation, will be presented to four emerging artists:

• Sushree Vrinda Chadha – Odissi Dance
• Sushree Aishwariya Singhdev – Odissi Dance
• Sushree Nikita Banawalikar – Kathak
• Shri Soumya Ranjan Nayak – Odissi Music (Mardala)

Shubha Mudgal to Open Festival

The festival will open on September 5 with a Hindustani vocal recital by Vidushi Shubha Mudgal, accompanied by Dr. Aneesh Pradhan on tabla and Shri Sudhir Nayak on harmonium.

On September 6, celebrated sarod maestro Pt. Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, accompanied by Shri Satyajit Talwalkar on tabla, will perform a sarod recital. The evening will also feature an Odissi performance by Smt. Lipsa Satapathy.

Dance, Theatre and Jugalbandi to Follow

On September 7, audiences will witness Mārgānātya, featuring the choreographed play “Saugandhika Haranam” by Chidākāsh Kalālay Centre. The production has been choreographed by Dr. Piyal Bhattacharya, with music by Shri Sayak Mitra.

September 8 will feature a Bharatanatyam performance by acclaimed exponent Dr. Janaki Rangarajan, followed by a flute jugalbandi by Shri Abhiram Nanda and Shri Srinibas Satapathy, accompanied by Shri Yashwant Vaishnav on tabla.

Srjan Ensemble to Present ‘Mā’ in Grand Finale

The festival will conclude on September 9 with the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Ceremony 2026, followed by a special performance by the Srjan Ensemble.

The ensemble will present “Mā”, inspired by the evocative poem of renowned Odia poet Radha Mohan Gadanayak.

Choreographed by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, with music by Guru Lakshmikant Palit and script adaptation by the late Jaydev Das, the production retains the distinctive vocabulary of traditional Odissi choreography while incorporating creative and contemporary elements.

Support from Government and Corporate Partners

The 32nd Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha.

MGM Minerals Ltd. and Shalimar Chemical Works Pvt. Ltd. are supporting the festival through CSR initiatives. Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd. (OMC) and Odisha Tourism are the Gold Sponsors, while Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the Silver Sponsor.

NALCO, MCL, IMFA and Priyadarshini are among the Festival Sponsors. Dharitri and OrissaPOST are the Media Partners, The Royale Midtown is the Hospitality Partner, and Narthaki is the Web Partner.

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The historic Bali Jatra in Cuttack will be held from November 24 to December 1, with the festival scheduled to continue for eight days this year.

A preliminary preparatory meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Cuttack District Collector, where detailed discussions were held on arrangements for the upcoming festival. The district administration has proposed to the state government that the fair be organised across both the upper and lower Bali Jatra grounds this year.

With around three months remaining for the festival, officials discussed several key issues, including stall booking, ground design, disaster management, crowd control and traffic arrangements.

The administration also plans to make the stall allotment and booking process more organised this year. Traffic management will receive special attention to prevent congestion and ensure smooth movement of visitors during the festival.

The proposal to use both the upper and lower grounds comes amid last year’s controversy over not holding Bali Jatra on the upper ground. The district administration has said it will coordinate with various departments to make this year’s festival more organised, attractive and visitor-friendly.

The festival is also expected to feature performances by popular Bollywood and Ollywood artists, similar to previous years. The detailed list of performers is expected to be finalised later.

Safety arrangements will also be given special priority. Following last year’s incident involving a stalled amusement ride, the administration plans to constitute a special technical team to inspect all rides before and during the festival.

Officials said the technical inspection will be aimed at preventing any recurrence of such incidents and ensuring the safety of visitors.

The administration is expected to intensify preparations in the coming weeks so that the eight-day historic festival can be conducted smoothly and safely.

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Veteran Odia singer and celebrated playback artist Pranab Kishore Pattnaik passed away at the age of 88 at his residence in Bhubaneswar. His death has left the Odia music fraternity and music lovers across the state mourning the loss of one of its iconic voices.

Born on January 20, 1938, Pranab Pattnaik developed a passion for music from an early age. He began his musical journey as an accredited singer with All India Radio’s Cuttack station.

Pattnaik entered the Odia film industry as a playback singer with the 1958 film Maa. Over the course of his illustrious career, he lent his voice to more than 50 films and worked with several renowned music directors, including Balakrishna Das, Upendra Kumar, Akshaya Mohanty, Shantanu Mahapatra, Prafulla Kar, Bhubaneswar Mishra, Basudev Rath and Swarup Nayak.

His contribution to Odia cinema and music earned him several honours. He won the State Film Award multiple times in the Best Playback Singer category. He was also conferred the prestigious Jayadev Puraskar, the Odisha Government’s highest honour in the field of cinema.

Known for his distinctive voice and contribution to Odia playback music, Pattnaik remained an influential figure in the state’s musical landscape for decades.

His demise marks the end of an important chapter in the history of Odia music. Tributes are pouring in from across the state, with music lovers and members of the cultural fraternity remembering his remarkable contribution to Odia cinema and music.

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The Odisha Government has approved the introduction of training in 15 additional traditional handicrafts under the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) to preserve the state’s rich craft heritage and create more skilled artisans.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar in the presence of Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Pradip Bal Samanta. Senior officials, representatives from educational institutions, Shilp Gurus, National and State Award-winning artisans, and master craftspersons attended the meeting.

Currently, SIDAC provides state-level training in six handicrafts—Appliqué (Chandua), Terracotta, Pattachitra, Palm Leaf Engravings, Stone Carving, and Wood Carving. The government has now decided to expand the programme by adding Coir Crafts, Jute Crafts, Solapith, Coconut Shell Crafts, Lacquer Crafts, Bamboo Crafts, Batik Printing, Tribal Jewellery, Palm Leaf Decoratives, Silver Filigree, Brass & Bell Metal, Seashell Crafts, Papier-Mâché, Saora Painting, and Gond Painting.

Officials said a one-year training programme of 1,500 hours has been designed based on market demand, export potential, availability of raw materials, traditional value and employment opportunities. The course will include practical training, design and product development, entrepreneurship, quality control, digital marketing, project work and internships. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, trainees who successfully complete the programme will receive four academic credit points.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Pradip Bal Samanta urged artisans to combine traditional craftsmanship with innovation to strengthen Odisha’s presence in national and international handicraft markets. An interactive session was also held with artisans to discuss skill development, market access and livelihood opportunities.

Officials highlighted that SIDAC currently operates 39 training centres across 26 districts under programmes such as the Guru-Shishya Parampara, Craft Village Training Programme, and Master Craftsperson Programme. The expanded initiative is expected to enhance artisan skills, generate employment and further promote Odisha’s traditional handicrafts.

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Dr.Satyajit Naik,IPS : Deba Snana Purnima, popularly known as Snana Jatra, marks one of the most significant and spiritually uplifting festivals in the annual ritual calendar of Shri Jagannath Temple. Scheduled to be observed on 29 June 2026, this grand ceremonial bathing festival heralds the beginning of the annual journey leading to the world-famous Ratha Yatra.

Observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Jyeshtha, Snana Jatra is the only occasion in the year when the deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshana—are brought out from the sanctum sanctorum and presented before devotees in a public ceremony. The event attracts lakhs of pilgrims and visitors from across India and abroad who gather to witness this unique manifestation of divine grace.

The Ritual of the Sacred Bath

The celebrations commence with the ceremonial procession known as Pahandi Bije, during which the deities are escorted from the sanctum to the Snana Mandap (bathing platform) amidst the resonating sounds of bells, conches, cymbals, and devotional chants.

At the Snana Mandap, the deities are bathed with 108 pitchers of sanctified water, drawn from the sacred Suna Kua (Golden Well) within the temple premises. The elaborate ritual symbolizes purification, devotion, and the benevolence of the divine towards humanity.

The sacred bathing ceremony is performed according to age-old traditions and Vedic rites, reflecting the rich spiritual heritage of Odisha and the enduring cultural legacy of the Jagannath tradition.

Hati Besha: The Majestic Elephant Attire

One of the most anticipated highlights of Snana Jatra is the Hati Besha (Elephant Attire), in which Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are adorned with elephant-like decorations. This unique attire is believed to commemorate the devotion of a Ganapati worshipper and symbolizes the universality of the Jagannath cult, which embraces diverse faith traditions and spiritual expressions.

The sight of the deities in Hati Besha captivates devotees and visitors alike, offering a rare and memorable spiritual experience.

Anasara: The Divine Recuperation

Following the ceremonial bath, tradition holds that the deities develop a fever due to the extensive bathing ritual. Consequently, they retire from public view for a fortnight in a period known as Anasara. During this time, the deities are believed to undergo recuperation and are attended to by traditional temple servitors.

Devotees eagerly await the conclusion of Anasara and the subsequent Nabajouban Darshan, when the rejuvenated deities reappear before the public, radiating renewed divine splendour shortly before Ratha Yatra.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

Deba Snana Purnima embodies the essence of devotion, equality, and inclusiveness that characterizes the Jagannath tradition. The festival offers devotees an opportunity to witness the deities in a rare public appearance and seek their blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.

Beyond its religious significance, Snana Jatra serves as a vibrant celebration of Odisha’s cultural heritage, showcasing centuries-old rituals, traditional music, temple customs, and collective devotion. The festival also marks the formal commencement of the annual festivities culminating in the grand Ratha Yatra, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

Preparations for Snana Jatra 2026

With lakhs of devotees expected to converge in Puri on 29 June 2026, extensive arrangements are being made by the administration, temple authorities, and law-enforcement agencies to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival. Special emphasis is being placed on crowd management, traffic regulation, security deployment, emergency response mechanisms, and pilgrim facilitation services.

As Puri prepares to welcome devotees from every corner of the globe, Deba Snana Purnima 2026 stands as a timeless reminder of faith, tradition, and the enduring spiritual magnetism of Lord Jagannath—a celebration where divinity comes closer to humanity through ritual, devotion, and collective reverence.

Dr.Satyajit Naik,IPS
IGP,Central Range,Odisha ,
Cuttack

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Grand Musical Event Held at Rabindra Mandap

The Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi celebrated World Music Day on Sunday under the aegis of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture. A special cultural evening was organised at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar to mark the occasion.

The event brought together renowned musicians, artists and cultural personalities, highlighting the rich musical heritage of Odisha and the importance of preserving traditional art forms.

Music Described as a Powerful Medium of Expression

The programme was attended by several distinguished guests, including Special Secretary of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture Debaprasad Dash, Finance Advisor Dr. Pramod Mandal, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi General Council Member Badri Mishra, Guru Dhaneswar Swain, renowned Odissi vocalist Guru Ramahari Das and noted musician Guru Laxmikant Palit.

Addressing the gathering, the guests extended greetings to all singers and music lovers on the occasion of World Music Day. They said music is deeply connected with culture and is not only a source of entertainment but also a powerful medium to express emotions and bring society together.

They emphasised the need for greater promotion and preservation of classical music, folk traditions and other forms of musical art.

Artists Showcase Odisha’s Musical Diversity

The cultural evening witnessed performances by several talented artists. Odissi vocal music was presented by Himanshu Sekhar Swain and Matru Prasad Das, while Sandeep Kumar Rout mesmerised the audience with a sarod performance.

Pragya Mishra performed Hindustani vocal music, while Raviratan Sahu and his team presented traditional musical compositions. Visually impaired artist Bhimasen Maharana performed a sitar recital, and Soumyajit Soumitra Badapanda showcased folk music.

The performances reflected the diversity and richness of Indian and Odia musical traditions.

Odisha’s Cultural Heritage Celebrated

The celebration highlighted the role of music in protecting cultural identity and strengthening social bonds. The organisers stressed the importance of encouraging young artists and ensuring that traditional music continues to reach future generations.

Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Secretary Dr. Chandrasekhar Hota coordinated the programme.

The event concluded with appreciation for artists and music enthusiasts who continue to contribute towards keeping Odisha’s vibrant musical legacy alive.

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