Mukteswar fest draws foreign visitors in hordes

Bhubaneswar: The three-day Mukteswar Dance Festival, which concluded on Sunday, attracted a large number of foreign tourists this year.Organised by the Odia language, literature and culture department in collaboration with the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, the festival witnessed visitors from Russia, Israel, the United States and several other countries throng the historic Mukteswar Temple to experience Odisha’s rich classical dance and cultural heritage, officials said.Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, while inaugurating the festival, highlighted the architectural splendour of the Mukteswar temple and the growing global appeal of Odissi dance. Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said the festival played a significant role in enhancing the recognition and popularity of Odissi dance.He added that the annual event has emerged as a distinctive cultural attraction of Bhubaneswar, drawing tourists and art lovers while promoting Odisha’s renowned archaeological heritage and classical art traditions.Several foreign visitors expressed admiration for the elegance of Odissi dance and the cultural ambience of the venue. A tourist from Israel described the performances as mesmerising, noting that the historic temple setting reflected the essence of Odisha’s culture and history.Another Israeli visitor said the festival offered a unique blend of architecture, spirituality and classical dance, making it an unforgettable cultural experience.