Bhubaneswar: The Mukteswar Dance Festival 2026 has become a significant hub for international art lovers, with foreign visitors expressing deep admiration for the spiritual and aesthetic quality of the event. Thanx to the wonderful arrangements made by Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture.
Several reports and videos from the venue highlight the presence of several international attendees who travelled to Bhubaneswar specifically to witness Odissi dance in its traditional setting.
Secretary Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Dr.Bijaya Ketan Upadhyaya monitored the entire arrangements and took care of the crowd management in a foolproof manner. International audiences were captivated with the performance of artists, who were selected in an impartial manner.
One of the featured international artists, Kaustavi Sarkar from the United States, performed a solo Odissi recital on the opening night. She described her experience as a homecoming to the roots of the art form, noting that performing under the shadow of the 10th-century temple provided a divine energy that is impossible to replicate on a modern stage.
In interviews recorded at the temple premises, a visitor named Thomas from Germany shared his amazement at the precision of the dancers. He mentioned that the combination of the live Mardala music and the intricate carvings of the Mukteswar Temple created a meditative environment.
He described the festival as a perfect bridge between India’s ancient history and its living traditions.
Another attendee, Elena from Russia, who has been a student of Indian classical dance for three years, spoke about the emotional depth of the performances. She remarked that seeing the dance performed in the very place that inspired its sculptures was a dream come true. She emphasized that the festival is not just a show but a soulful experience that welcomes people from all cultures to appreciate the beauty of Odisha.
A group of tourists from Japan also shared their feedback, with a visitor named Yuki highlighting the hospitality of the local people and the accessibility of the event. She noted that the free entry and open-air setting allowed them to feel like part of the local community, making it the highlight of their journey through India’s golden triangle