Rajarani music festival of Odisha offers a mesmerizing experience of Indian classical music through scintillating performances of vocalists and instrumentalists. 11th century Rajarani temple, located in Bhubaneshwar city forms the venue of the festival where grand evening concerts are held. This three day festival, celebrated in the month of January, is the representative of the creative and artistic temperament of the people of Odisha. The soulful renditions of vocalists as well as the delightful rhythms and melodies of instrumentalists creates enthralling chimes and captivate the listeners in an aura which reflects the richness and originality of this glorious Indian tradition of classical music.
Rajarani Temple
The city of Bhubaneshwar houses a number of temples among which Rajarani temple hold a unique and conspicuous position owing to the absence of any presiding deity in the temple. The temple premise is highly embellished where idols of eight Dikpals stand guarding the eight cardinal directions of the temple. The ancient temple is located in open paddy fields and exhibits an elegant and graceful architecture. It is believed that the temple derives its name from the beautiful red and gold sandstone which structures the temple and is locally known as `Rajarani`. The temple is also known for its tall and slender temple figurines, also known as `nayikas`, which are carved on walls in high relief. The figures are diligently beautiful and exhibits different gestures such as taking off her anklet, fondling her child, playing instrument, caressing a bird, looking into the mirror, holding branches of a tress etc. Beautiful sculptures also adorn the temple and form a dramatic ambience for the festival.
Features of Rajarani Music Festival
Rajarani music festival was first conceptualized and organized by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with other organizations including Bhubaneswar Music Circle, NALCO, the Union Ministry of Tourism and Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy. The festival provides a platform for showcasing the rich tradition of Indian classical music. Musical evenings during the event are entranced by the performances of great maestros. `Darbari gayans` which is referred to the musical performances in an Indian king`s court also forms a major attraction of the event which helps to revive and cherish the age old tradition of India. The diversity of Indian classical musical can be beautifully experienced in Rajarani music festival. Concerts held in the courtyard of the temple during the event comprise of Sufiana Music, Hindustani Vocal Recital, Tabla performance, Odissi Vocal Recital, Classical Crossover and many other enchanting shows.
