Nabagunjar Dance And Music Festival

Name: Nabagunjar Dance And Music Festival
Start: 2026-09-06
End: 2026-09-06
Location: Dhenkanal, Odisha

The Nabagunjar Dance and Music Festival, now in its second edition, will take place on September 6, 2026, in Dhenkanal, Odisha, India. Organized by the Abhinaya Foundation, this day-long event from 9 AM to 9 PM celebrates Odisha's rich artistic traditions through diverse dance and musical performances, aiming to preserve traditional art forms and showcase local culture.

Date: Sep 6, 2026
Location: Dhenkanal, Odisha

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Event summary

Highlights

Diverse performances including Odissi, Kuchipudi, folk dance, Hindustani vocal
Fusion presentation featuring Mardala, violin, flute, and vocals
Felicitation ceremony with the Abhinaya Gurushree Award for Adwaita Gadanayak
Presentation of Nabagunjar Nrutya Prerana Award and Abhinaya Social Excellence Award

The Nabagunjar Dance and Music Festival is scheduled for September 6, 2026, in Dhenkanal, a district in Odisha, India. This second edition, a day-long celebration from 9 AM to 9 PM, is organized by the Abhinaya Foundation with the goal of showcasing and preserving Odisha's diverse performing arts and rich cultural heritage. The festival serves as a platform for both established artists and younger generations to engage with traditional art forms.

The program features a variety of performances, including Odissi, Kuchipudi, folk dance, and Hindustani vocal recitals. A special fusion presentation integrating Mardala, violin, flute, and vocals is also part of the event. The festival is named after Nabagunjar, a mythical form associated with Lord Krishna in Odisha's cultural and religious traditions, adding a unique regional identity to the celebration. A significant highlight of the festival is the felicitation ceremony, where the prestigious Abhinaya Gurushree Award will be presented to renowned sculptor and Padma Shri laureate Adwaita Gadanayak. Additionally, the Nabagunjar Nrutya Prerana Award 2026 and the Abhinaya Social Excellence Award 2026 will be awarded to individuals and organizations, including Odissi dancer Smt Minakshi Rani Jena and Bajaranga Club.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.