Bhubaneswar: The majestic 11th-century Rajarani Temple served as a celestial backdrop for the concluding ceremonies of the Rajarani Sangeet Utsav 2026. Organized by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture in association with the Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy, the festival reached its zenith today, celebrating the profound depth of Indian classical traditions.
The evening’s performance commenced with a rhythmic dialogue that highlighted Odisha’s unique percussion heritage. Guru Biswa Ranjan Nanda led a spirited duet of Tabla and Mardal, creating a seamless blend of Hindustani and Odissi rhythmic patterns. He was expertly supported by Guru Vijay Kumar Das on Tabla, while Guru Budhanath Swain and Guru Arup Das provided the resonant depth of the Mardal. The melodic layers were added by Guru Prashant Kumar on the Behela and Guru Shri Bhaskar Shatapathy on the Flute, creating a complex and enthralling tapestry of sound.
Following the percussion ensemble, the stage was graced by Pandit Jayanthi Kulkarni, who delivered a masterful Hindustani vocal performance. Accompanied by the legendary Pandit Suresh Talwalkar on Tabla and Shri Amey Bichu on Harmonium, the rendition of chosen ragas resonated through the temple courtyard, leaving the audience in a state of spiritual tranquility.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries and stalwarts of the arts, including Dr. Bijaya Ketan Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, and Dr. Chandrasekhar Hota, Secretary of the Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy. Presence of luminaries like Odissi vocalist Professor Ramahari Das, Guru Gopal Chandra Panda, and Mardal maestro Guru Sachidananda Das underscored the festival’s significance in the national cultural calendar.
Throughout the three-day festival, which ran from January 16th to 18th, the open-air stage hosted a diverse array of classical forms. Highlights included Odissi Sangeet by Guru Achyut Maharana and Group from Puri, the intricate Taal Kitingar by Pandit Suresh Talwalkar, and soulful Carnatic music by Dr. Sumitra Vasudev. The inclusion of Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori’s instrumental performance further enriched the variety of the festival.
A modern touch was introduced this year through the Classical Music Selfie Point, which became a major attraction for the youth and international tourists. The point featured an educational display of traditional musical instruments, bridging the gap between ancient heritage and contemporary engagement.
Under the meticulous supervision of Dr. Bijaya Ketan Upadhyaya, Secretary Odia Language, Literature and Culture, the festival achieved grand success through impartial artist selection and exemplary crowd management, ensuring that the sanctity of the music remained the focal point of the experience.