Best of 2018: Top 5 events of Odisha

By KalingaTV Bureau Last updated Dec 25, 2018 0

Bhubaneswar: This year will always considered the one which put the state on world map. 2018 saw some great events in Odisha ranging from business, art, culture, traditional to sports-this year saw everything.

As part of our ‘Best of 2018’ series, we will be discussing the top five events organised by state government. Here is a list of the events:

Make in Odisha Conclave

The conclave is a biennial event organised by Odisha Government. It was held from November 11 to December 1 this year. The conclave’s primary aim is to showcase the positive business growth options available in the state to attract business investment opportunities from industry biggies to amateur entrepreneurs.

For further information:Make In Odisha Conclave-2018: Odisha Receives Investment Proposals Worth Rs 4.19 Lakh Crore

Bali Jatra

The world famous event kicked off on November 23 at Cuttack on the banks of river Mahanadi. The event usually carries on for 5 days, but due to on-going Hockey World Cup and Dot Fest, it was extended and held for a total of 10 days. The annual festival is held to mark the day when ancient Sadhabas(Mariners) would set sail to distant lands of Bali, for trade and cultural expansion.

For further information: Bali Jatra-2018 Kicks-Off In Odisha’s Cuttack

Men’s Hockey World Cup

This quadrennial event was something to be not missed. The event was held from November 28 to December 5. Capital city Bhubaneswar was all decked up to receive the player, dignitaries and fans from all over the world. Stars like AR Rahman, Shahrukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, and Dilip Tirkey among others graced the hockey evtravaganza with their presence. Odisha Government was lauded for their efforts. Also, Odisha was the official sponsor of Indian men’s hockey team.

Also the official hockey anthem was created by musical maestro AR Rahman.

Watch the video here:

For further information: Stage Set In Bhubaneswar For Men’s Hockey World Cup 2018

Konark Dance and Music Festival

This biannual event was a surreal as it could be. This year it was held December 1 till December 5. It is held at Konark Natya Mandap, Konark every year since 1986. An open air auditorium with the temple as the backdrop is the venue of the Konark Festival, a major dance festival held annually in early December which showcases a magical mix of the classical and traditional dance forms of India. The Natya Mandap holds a similar festival of classical dance and music in February also, annually. The festival is jointly organized by Orissa Tourism, Guru Gangadhar Pradhan’s Orissa Dance Academy and Konark Natya Mandap.

For further information: Konark Festival, International Sand Art Festival To Begin From Tomorrow

Konark Sand Art Festival is held simultaneously on Chandrabhaga beach. It is usually held on same dates as Konark Dance and Music Festival. Around 45 artists from India and around the world set down on this beautiful golden beach to showcase their magic on sand.

For further information: Odisha CM Congratulates Sudarsan For Successful Sand Art Festival

Dot Fest and Food Fest

This first-time event showcased performances by celebrity singers and musicians including Vishal and Shekhar, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Farhan Akhtar, Shaan, Sona Mohapatra, Rituraj Mohanty, Noorani Sisters and Krishna Beura, comedians Biswa Kalyan Rath, Kumar Varun, Rohit Swain and dancers like famous KrishanDance group. The event also an extravaganza of cuisines from different parts of the globe. It was held for 17 days starting from December 1.

For further information: City Carnival ‘DoT FEST’ To Kick Start At Bhubaneswar Today

Another first-time event held with Dot Fest and Food Fest was BhuFeSto held from 6th to 10th December. This festival’s primary aim was to boost the art of interactive story telling. This was an open-air event held at 3 primary parks in Bhubaneswar.