Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav

Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav is celebrated on foot hills of Dhauli Shanti Stupa in association with Odisha Dance Academy. The festival is celebrated to keep odia ancient culture alive. A major part of Orrisa was earlier known as Kalinga, the land which is seen brutal murders and death of martyrs during the reign of Ashoka. It is the place where Ashoka decided to start a peaceful and non- violent life. Kalinga Mahotsav is celebrated to mark the victory of peace over war. To pay tribute to the martyrs of Mauryan dynasty the festval is celebrated. It is attended by locals as well as national and international heritage enthusiasts. The festival brings together classical, folk, martial and temporary genres of arts on one platform, a treat for the commoners and connoisseurs alike.

Dhauli festival is being hosted since 2003. With time the festival got popularized at national and international level in all over the world. Currently it is hosting nearly 500 artists across the country. The rich three-day festival is celebration of strength and beauty of Odissi dance and music. Along with odisha's folk dance, tourist can witness different arts and cultural dance forms of other states. Sometimes foreign artists also present their performance.

The Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav combines martial dance, which celebrates the victory of peace over war, with classical and folk dances of the state. And the venue, Dhauli Hills alongside the Daya river, is the place where Emperor Ashok is believed to have fought the last battle of the Kalinga war before surrendering to humanity and embracing Buddhism.