Cultural extravaganza in capital

Bhubaneswar: The capital city is geared up for a grand celebration of its artistic heritage with multiple prestigious festivals coinciding with Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. It will host a series of cultural extravaganzas, including Rajarani Music Festival, Mukteswar Dance Festival and Folk Dance Festival, offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse into the state's rich cultural tapestry. The festivals started from Tuesday and will continue till Jan 12.These festivals aim to celebrate our culture and classical art forms through various forms of classical music, traditional dance performances, and indigenous folk art, highlighting Odisha's centuries-old cultural traditions. The timing of these events has been strategically aligned with the convention to provide overseas visitors with an immersive experience of Odisha's cultural wealth."Music and dance are deeply woven into Odisha's cultural fabric," said culture minister Suryabanshi Suraj. "These festivals serve as a platform to showcase our artistic heritage to visitors from across the country and beyond," he added.Rajarani Music Festival, held at the Rajarani Temple, will showcase performances by renowned classical musicians of Hindustani, Carnatic and Odissi music recitals against the backdrop of the temple's exquisite architecture. The Mukteswar Dance Festival, hosted at the Mukteswar Temple, will feature performances by leading classical dancers, highlighting the state's tradition of classical dance. Complementing this will be the Folk Dance Festival, which will present a colourful array of Odisha's traditional dance forms, offering glimpses into its rural artistry.The events are expected to draw both domestic and international audiences, featuring performances by renowned artists and cultural practitioners.However, so many festivals being held concurrently has become a cause for concern for musicians. "There are a few professional musicians who play during classical dance and music festivals. With so many festivals occurring simultaneously, it would be difficult for all artists to attend them. Even audiences are confused over which one to visit," said Debashis Mishra, a tabla player and aficionado of classical music and dance.