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Culture
Expect the festival to centre on Odisha's performing arts, local cultural expression and community celebration.
The festival
Where Banki's heritage comes alive
Banki Mahotsav has been celebrated since 2000 and is described by the Cuttack district administration as an approximately five-day annual celebration held with joy and enthusiasm. It sits within the wider festive season around Kumar Purnima and Lakshmi Puja in Banki.
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Celebration
The 2026 edition is planned as a five-day event, with cultural programmes and festive activities expected across the celebration.
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Banki
A historic town in Cuttack district, known especially for the Maa Charchika Shakti Peetha and the surrounding Mahanadi landscape.
2026 dates
Five evenings of celebration
The 2026 dates reported in June 2026 are 26–30 October. A detailed day-by-day programme should be treated as pending until released by the organisers or administration.
26OCT • DAY 1
27OCT • DAY 2
28OCT • DAY 3
29OCT • DAY 4
30OCT • DAY 5
Programme note: Artist line-ups, exact venues, timings, ticketing and individual event schedules were not found in the authoritative sources reviewed for this page. Check the latest local administration or festival committee announcement before travelling.
Events & setting
A festival surrounded by sacred places and nature
Banki's appeal goes beyond the festival ground. The area combines Shakti worship, Mahanadi landscapes, temples and the scenic Ansupa lake.
From CuttackAbout 52 km
From Bhubaneswar airportAbout 82 km
Nearest railway accessCuttack
Best tourism seasonOct – Mar
Places to visit
Make it more than a festival visit
Maa Charchika Temple
The Charchika shrine is one of Odisha's eight recognised shrines and is the spiritual landmark most closely associated with Banki.
Ansupa Lake
A picturesque freshwater lake in the Banki subdivision, known for migratory birds in winter and opportunities for fishing and boating.
Singhanath & Ramanath
The Banki subdivision also includes the Singhanath Dev and Ramanath Dev temple areas around Baideswar, adding a strong pilgrimage dimension to a local itinerary.
Dhabaleswar
The Dhabaleswar Temple sits on a river island in the Mahanadi and offers a distinctive combination of Shaiva devotion, historic architecture and river scenery.
Banki town
Allow time for local food, markets and the atmosphere around the festival. October is part of the district's main post-monsoon festive period.
Odisha's festive season
Banki Mahotsav belongs to a wider cultural calendar that includes Kumar Purnima and Lakshmi Puja traditions in the Cuttack district.
Travel notes
Planning your visit
For a smooth trip, confirm the programme and venue shortly before departure. Banki is connected by road from Cuttack, while Bhubaneswar is the nearest major airport referenced by the district tourism page.
Simple itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Banki and explore the town.
Day 2: Visit Maa Charchika and attend evening programmes.
Day 3: Explore Ansupa and return for the festival.
Day 4: Visit nearby temples and enjoy the evening celebration.
Day 5: Attend the closing festivities and depart.
Gallery
Moments from Banki
A dedicated gallery can be updated with official festival photographs as they are released by the Banki Mahotsav committee.
Festival Stage
Official performance photographs and programme highlights can be added here.
Culture & Tradition
Showcase dance, music, traditional arts and local cultural moments.
Banki & Heritage
Feature Maa Charchika, Ansupa Lake and other local attractions.
Festival gallery & quick reference
Banki Mahotsav 2026 at a glance
When
26–30 October 2026
Where
Banki, Cuttack district, Odisha
What
Five-day cultural festival with music, traditional arts and community celebrations