About Kalakshetra Odisha
A journey of cultural preservation and community empowerment
Our Story
Kalakshetra Odisha is a cultural and social organization committed to preserving, promoting and strengthening Odisha's folk traditions, village culture and artistic heritage.
The organization believes that the cultural identity of Odisha is deeply rooted in its villages, its people, its festivals, its traditional knowledge and the generations of artists who continue to preserve these traditions.
Through cultural campaigns, village-level activities, festivals, recognition programmes and artist-oriented initiatives, Kalakshetra Odisha seeks to create a meaningful connection between Odisha's traditional heritage and the new generation.
A major focus of the organization for the coming years is the “Gaan Mo Maa – ଗାଁ ମୋ ମାଆ” movement, along with the development of “Kalakshetra Gram – କଳାକ୍ଷେତ୍ର ଗ୍ରାମ” as model cultural villages across Odisha.
Messages from Our Leaders
Shri Ashrumohan Mohanty
"Culture is not only performance—it is identity, values, and pride. Kalakshetra stands to protect Odisha's folk traditions, support artists, and bring cultural awareness to every village and every generation. Let us celebrate our roots and strengthen our community through art."
Shri Basudev Malbisoi
"Villages are the heart of India's culture. Through the 'Mo Biswa' initiative and Village Day programs, we promote unity, awareness, and cultural dignity across communities. Kalakshetra will continue connecting people through folk art, cultural events, and recognition of dedicated contributors."
Our Vision
To be a leading institution for cultural preservation, making Odisha's heritage accessible to all while ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
Our Mission
To document, preserve, and promote Odisha's diverse cultural expressions through education, research, community engagement, and artistic programs.
Gaan Mo Maa – ଗାଁ ମୋ ମାଆ
My Village, My Mother
A village is more than a geographical location. It is where relationships are formed, traditions are inherited, festivals are celebrated, art is nurtured and generations remain connected to their roots. The “Gaan Mo Maa” initiative expresses this emotional relationship between an individual and their village.
“India lives in its villages.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Inspired by this spirit, Kalakshetra Odisha seeks to strengthen pride in village identity and encourage communities to protect their cultural traditions, local heritage and folk arts. The broader vision identifies approximately 6,65,000 villages across India as the national context for “Gaan Mo Maa”, with Kalakshetra Odisha proposing to begin structured implementation across selected model districts in Odisha before progressively expanding the campaign.
Programme Goals
10 Model Districts
The first phase of “Gaan Mo Maa” will focus on the following ten Model Districts
Keonjhar
କେନ୍ଦୁଝର
Mayurbhanj
ମୟୂରଭଞ୍ଜ
Bargarh
ବରଗଡ଼
Rayagada
ରାୟଗଡ଼ା
Boudh
ବୌଦ୍ଧ
Malkangiri
ମାଲକାନଗିରି
Dhenkanal
ଢେଙ୍କାନାଳ
Puri
ପୁରୀ
Koraput
କୋରାପୁଟ
Nabarangpur
ନବରଙ୍ଗପୁର
Kalakshetra Gram – କଳାକ୍ଷେତ୍ର ଗ୍ରାମ
“Kalakshetra Gram” is a proposed district-level initiative to develop and recognize villages that actively preserve and celebrate their local cultural identity. The long-term objective is to encourage the development of Kalakshetra Gram in every district of Odisha.
A Kalakshetra Gram may serve as a model for
- Preservation of local folk traditions
- Participation of local artists
- Intergenerational transfer of traditional knowledge
- Cultural participation by children and youth
- Documentation of village heritage
- Community-led cultural programmes
- Promotion of local cultural identity