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Kalinga Mahotsav from February 23

BHUBANESWAR: With the snow-white peace pagoda serving as its perfect backdrop, the sixth Kalinga Mahotsav, the exclusive martial dance festival of India, will unfold atop the historic Dhauli hills near here on February 23 and 24. Being hosted by the Department of Tourism in association with city-based cultural institute, Art Vision, it has been the brain-child of Padma shri Ileana Citaristi, the Italian Odissi dancer who made Orissa her home about three decades ago.

The objective of the festival is to harmonise the vigour of martial tradition with the inspiration of peace through the art of dance, explained Ms. Ileana.

While the festival features the vibrant martial dance traditions of India, Dhauli hill has been chosen as its venue since this place symbolises the victory of peace over war, she added. Emperor Ashok had fought the battle of Kalinga here before surrendering the sword and embracing Buddhism, claimed the historians.

For the first time, dance troupes from abroad - Korea and Tibet - would be performing in this unique event that is attracting tourists from abroad for its special character, claimed the hosts.

The festival will kick off on February 23 with the South Korean folk dance which will be followed by Punjab’s Fauzer Singh and his troupe and Tatteta Gullu of Andhra Pradesh.The concluding evening would feature the Tibetan martial dance while the troupe from Punjab would present a different repertoire.

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