Bhubaneswar, Dec. 7: After dancers at the Konark festival infused life into the dancing belles on the walls of the Sun temple, it is time for the Dhauli peace pagoda to come alive to the sound of ankle bells of classical dances and vigour of martial dance forms.

The Dhauli and Kalinga Mahotsav, that are annually held around the Buddhist monastery, were announced by the state culture and tourism department and organisers of the Odisha Dance Academy.

Though both the festivals started around the same time since 2003, the Dhauli Mahotsav was being organised by the Odisha Dance Academy at the foothills of Dhauli, whereas the Kalinga Mahotsav, conducted by Art Vision, was held right in the courtyard of the majestic pagoda. This year, however, both teams have combined to organise the two dance festivals at the foothills of Dhauli.

“It is sad that we had to shift to the foothills from the courtyard where the enchanting backdrop of the pagoda looked just perfect. But since the tourism department suggested that there were some logistical issues, we have accepted the advise. Hopefully, it will be equally successful at the new venue,” said danseuse Ileana Citaristi of Art Vision.

Dhauli Mahotsav is a collage of classical and folk dance forms while Kalinga Mahotsav is a kaleidoscope of martial dance forms. The former will be held from December 10 to 12 while Kalinga Mahotsav will be held on December 13 and 14.

“The three-day festival will feature kathak exponent Pandit Rajendra Gangani, three institutions of gotipua showcasing a mega production, Priti Patel’s Manipuri rendition, kuchipudi by Vyjayanthi Kashi, Odissi by troupes from Odisha Dance Academy, Nupur and Gunjan dance academy and folk dances such as Ghoda Nacha and Danda Nata,” said dancer Aruna Mohanty, secretary of Odisha Dance Academy.

The martial dance troupes to perform at the other festival are Rianto and his group from Japan, Mayurbhanj Chhau by Trilochan Mohanta’s troupe from Rairangpur, contemporary martial art by Sudarshan Chakrovarty from Calcutta and Thang Ta from Manipuri troupe of Gourakishore Sharma.

“These dance festivals have not only helped promote and popularise traditional and classical dance forms of Odisha and other parts of the country, but they have also established our state as a cultural centre even in the contemporary times. Moreover, these have become a platform for promising young artistes,” minister of culture and tourism Prafulla Samal said at the announcement ceremony.