India is a multi faceted land, which offers a number of experiences to anyone visiting the land. One of such golden experiences is a trip to the Kalinga Mahaotsav. The Kalinga Mahaotsavis celebrated in Orissa. Orissa has witnessed one of the bloodiest wars in the history of the country. The war changed how Emperor Ashoka thought about life and he became a Buddhist monk after that.
Kalinga Mahaotsavis also known as the National Festival of Martial Dance. The festival is celebrated to display the vibrant culture and the different types of martial arts present in the country through dance and music. The festival marks the victory of peace over war.
How is the festival celebrated?
The festival is celebrated at Dhauli Shanti Stupa on the environs of Bhubaneswar. The festival is celebrated on the tenth and eleventh of January this year. The festival attracts martial artists from the entire country. You can easily find live artist from different parts of the country like and Paika from Odisha, Chhow from Orissa, Thang Ta from Manipur and Kalaripayattu from Kerela. The artist displays their skills using swords, sticks and acrobatics. The main motive of Kalinga Mahaotsavis to harmonize the vitality of martial tradition with sublimity of peace through the art of dance. So be a part of this festival. The festival is celebrated ahead the Buddhist Temple, where it is believed that King Ashoka had surrendered his sword and started to embrace Buddhism.
Legend behind Kalinga Mahaostav:
The legend behind the festival states that the festival is celebrated to mark the victory of the peace over war. The war made the Emperor Ashoka to leave the path of violence to follow Dharmashok. After killing thousands of people, he realised how hollow his victory was. A Buddhist monk named Upagupta came to his rescue finding him the way to peace and Buddhism. The real essence of the Kalinga Festival lies in paying homage to the Buddhist style of living and ideology, which has helped millions to follow the path of Dharma.
What should one see at the Kalinga Mahaotsav?
There are a number of things that should be seen at the Kalinga Mahaotsav. If you are visiting the Kalinga Mahaotsav, donot miss a chance to see the rock cut sculptures, which have been inscribed at Dhauli.There are a number of places near the Dhaulagiri hills, Yogini Hills, Pipli, Khandagiri and Udayagiri and a number of state art museums to satiate your shopping needs. All these places make the trip to the festival a memorable one.
What is the aim of holding the Mahaotsav?
The festival is aimed to promote the awareness of the Odhisan culture in the younger generation. The festival also aims at the promotion, preservation and popularization of the culture on the national and international level. The festival flaunts the rich cultural solidarity and the enthralling performances by the artists coming from the different part of the country. The festival is organized by the Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of Orissa since the year 2003. From 2011, the festival is hosted combined by the Orissa Dance Academy, Bhubaneswar and the Department of Tourism. The festival is celebrated in the backdrop of the exquisite and renowned Vishwa Shanti Stupa.
Buddha Samman:
The Buddha Saman has been started to preach and honour the teachings of Gautam Buddha. The award has been started by the ODA in the year 2008. The award has been given to the distinguished people in the field of art and creativity. The Saman carries a citation, angabastra and cash award of Rs. 50,000/-.