Mukteswar Dance Festival (January 14 - 16, 2014) - Dr. Sunil Kothari

Hot on the heels of ‘The Hindu Lit for Life’ festival on literature in Chennai (11 to 13th January) commenced the Mukteswar Dance Festival in Bhubaneswar in a specially constructed open air auditorium with the backdrop of the 10th century Odishan architectural marvel of Mukteswar Temple. With the winter chill, the mystic ambience and surrounding small temples created a visual treat. There is something magical about this temple complex. It was Sankaranti and a rare combination of full moon night, Purnima. The moon shining in the sky atop the tall shikhara of the adjoining shrine, the stars shooting in all directions and the gentle breeze carrying the slightly audible notes of music prior to the performance transported the large gathering into a mood for receiving the unfolding of the dance performances.
Since the presiding deity at Mukteswara is Lord Shiva, the artists invariably commence by paying homage to Lord Nataraja. Organized by Odisha Tourism in association with Odisha Tourism Development Corporation Ltd and Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, the format for the past few years has been kept the same.  It must be mentioned that the festival which under the personal supervision and guidance of the dynamic former Director of Tourism Mr. Ashok Tripathy took shape and placed with several other dance and music festivals including the Konark Festival, has maintained the ambience and clockwork regularity, starting sharp on the dot at 6pm and the time limit offered to dancers was strictly observed. About half a kilometre of the approach road leading to the venue was lit up with colourful little lights creating a festive mood. The entrance, the display boards, the arrangements for photographers, the high pedestal on the right of the stage for simultaneous direct telecast by DD, were well organized. It seems the successors to Tripathy have decided to continue the tradition so well established.

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