Kalinga Mahotsava

Kalinga (major part of present Indian state of Orissa) once witnessed the bloodiest battles in the history of India by the Emperor Ashoka of Maurya Dynasty. He became a changed man from this place as he realized the hollowness of his victory. A buddhiest monk named Upagupta help him to enlighten peace over sword.

Kalinga Mahotsav or the National Festival of Martial Dance is celebrated to pay tribute to the Kalinga. It shows the vibrant traditions of martial art of India through dance and music. It is in the essence to mark the victory of peace over war. It took place on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar at Dhauli Shanti Stupa on the 10th and 11th of January this year. This Mahotsav attracts Martial artists from all over India.

At this Festival in Orissa you can see live performance of artists from different arts of India like Chhow and Paika from Orissa, Kalaripayattu from Kerela, Thang Ta from Manipur. In this Mahotsav artists shows their skills with sticks, swords and various acrobatics concentrating their mind and body.

The main motive of Kalinga Mahotsav is to harmonize the vitality of martial tradition with sublimity of peace through the art of dance. So be a part of this festival.