Raja Rani Music Festival 2026 Kicks Off Today In Bhubaneswar

The Raja Rani Music Festival kicks off on January 16 at the historic Raja Rani Temple in Bhubaneswar, running through January 18. Organized by the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi with support from the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, the open-air festival celebrates India’s rich classical music traditions.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan graced the inaugural evening as chief guest, underscoring the festival’s growing national significance. Over three days, audiences will enjoy performances by renowned musicians from Odisha and across India, including Guru Achyuta Maharana (Odissi), Padma Shri Pandit Suresh Talwar (Tal Kirtan), Dr Sumitra Vasudev (Carnatic), Dr Ulhas Kashalkar (Hindustani), and Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori (instrumental music), along with a unique tabla-mardala jugalbandi by Guru Bishwaranjan Nanda.

The festival fosters cultural exchange between Odissi, Hindustani, and Carnatic forms while promoting Odisha’s heritage. The temple’s historic setting adds a visual and acoustic charm, offering visitors a rare fusion of architecture and melody. With its blend of artistry and tradition, the Raja Rani Music Festival reinforces Bhubaneswar’s reputation as a hub of classical music and cultural tourism.