Bhubaneswar: The temple city of Odisha, transformed into a sanctuary of celestial melodies as the three-day Rajarani Music Festival–2026 commenced on Thursday against the majestic backdrop of the historic Rajarani Temple.
Organised by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department in association with the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, this prestigious cultural extravaganza, running from 16th to 18th January, aims to celebrate the profound legacy of Indian classical traditions.
Inaugurating the festival, Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, described the event as a vivid reflection of India’s spiritual and cultural depth. He emphasized that classical and traditional music have carved a distinct identity for Odisha and the nation on the global stage.
During the ceremony, the Union Minister felicitated stalwarts of the field, including eminent Odissi music guru Achyuta Maharana and renowned music scholar Pandit Suresh Talwalkar, alongside the performing artists of the evening. The inaugural ceremony saw the presence of Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Ekamra MLA Shri Babu Singh, and former MLA Shri Jayanta Kumar Sarangi, with the proceedings seamlessly coordinated by Department Secretary Dr Bijaya Ketan Upadhyay.
The musical journey of the evening began with a soul-stirring Odissi music recital by Guru Achyuta Maharana and his ensemble. The performance was a masterclass in raga elaboration, featuring the composition Nishi Natha Badani in Raga Bajrakanti and Jati Tala, followed by the evocative Manu Jau Nahin Ma in Raga Shankarabharanam. The ensemble also presented the natyanga Na Ja Yamuna and concluded with the bhajan Kanja Charane, a tribute to the legendary Singhari Damodar and Singhari Shyam Sundar. The Guru’s emotionally charged presentation was elevated by the rhythmic support of Guru Sachchidananda Das on the mardala, Dr Jawahar Mishra on flute, and Guru Muralidhar Swain on harmonium.
The second half of the evening shifted to the rhythmic dynamism of Tala Kirtan, led by the legendary Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. The air resonated with intricate rhythmic patterns and the creative brilliance of taans and sargams. Accompanied by a diverse team including Shabari Talwalkar on tabla and Ishan Pramod Paranjpe on konnakol, the performance showcased the mathematical precision and spiritual ecstasy of Indian percussion.
The fusion of ancient architectural grandeur and timeless musical traditions drew an enthusiastic response from enthusiasts and tourists alike. While the veterans immersed themselves in the intricacies of the ragas, the younger generation was seen engaging with the heritage through a specially curated selfie point at the venue. With two more days of performances scheduled, the festival continues to stand as a testament to Odisha’s enduring commitment to the classical arts.