Est. 2002 · Berhampur, Odisha

Bringing the Art, Culture, Music & Folk Traditions of India to the National Stage Through Fest, Performances & Cultural Conversations

A vibrant celebration of art, culture, and creative excellence since 2002.

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About Anwesha Kala Kendra

Established in 2001, Anwesha Kala Kendra is a dedicated platform committed to preserving, promoting, and celebrating India's rich artistic and literary heritage, with a special focus on the cultural traditions of Odisha. Founded with the vision of connecting traditional art forms with contemporary audiences, the organisation works towards creating meaningful cultural exchanges that transcend geographical and linguistic boundaries.

Over the years, Anwesha Kala Kendra has curated and presented numerous performances, festivals, seminars, literary gatherings, and cultural collaborations featuring some of India's most distinguished classical and folk artists. The organisation actively promotes Odissi dance, classical and folk music, theatre, literature, storytelling, and indigenous art forms while encouraging dialogue between artists, scholars, policymakers, and audiences.

A significant aspect of the organisation's work is taking the cultural legacy of Odisha to national and international platforms. Through thoughtfully curated events, it highlights the state's timeless contributions to Indian art, literature, philosophy, and spirituality, fostering greater appreciation among diverse audiences.

Beyond performances, Anwesha Kala Kendra is committed to nurturing the next generation of artists by encouraging cultural education, mentorship, and collaborative initiatives. It believes that art is not merely a medium of entertainment but a powerful instrument for preserving identity, strengthening communities, and promoting social harmony.

With a growing network of artists, institutions, and cultural stakeholders, Anwesha Kala Kendra continues to serve as a bridge between tradition and innovation. Through its initiatives, the organisation strives to ensure that India's invaluable artistic heritage remains vibrant, relevant, and accessible for future generations while contributing meaningfully to the country's evolving cultural landscape.

Our Founder

Smt. Usharani Mahapatra

Educationist, Social Worker, Cultural Leader & Author

Smt. Usharani Mahapatra is a distinguished educationist, social worker, cultural leader, author, and public speaker who has dedicated more than four decades of her life to education, community service, and cultural preservation. Widely respected for her leadership, integrity, and commitment to nation-building through education, she retired as the Headmistress of Aska Road Girls' High School, Berhampur, Odisha.

Our Glorious Journey

A legacy of nurturing creativity and celebrating cultural heritage over the years.

2002

Brilliance Annual Function 2002

On a memorable evening in 2002, Anwesha Kala Kendra proudly presented the Brilliance Annual Function, a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and creative excellence. The event was held at the historic Ganjam Kala Parishad in Berhampur, Odisha. The evening was graced by the esteemed presence of Ms. Prathibha Sahoo, the renowned Odia actress, who joined us as the Chief Guest. Her inspiring words and warm encouragement uplifted every performer and guest, adding a touch of cinematic grace to the proceedings. From captivating dance performances and soulful music to theatrical presentations that stirred the heart, the function embodied the very spirit of Anwesha Kala Kendra — a commitment to nurturing talent and celebrating the arts.

2003

Brilliance 2003 Annual Day

In 2003, Anwesha Kala Kendra once again brought together the finest expressions of art and culture for the Brilliance 2003 Annual Day, held at the iconic Ganjam Kala Parishad in Berhampur, Odisha. The year's celebration carried a special gravitas as we were honoured to welcome the legendary Late Shri Bijay Mohanty as our Chief Guest — a towering figure in Odia cinema whose illustrious career and magnetic presence left an unforgettable impression on everyone present. Brilliance 2003 stood as a testament to Anwesha Kala Kendra's unwavering mission — to foster creativity, celebrate cultural heritage, and build a community united by the love of art.

2004

Brilliance Annual Day 2004

In 2004, Anwesha Kala Kendra carried forward its cherished tradition of celebrating artistic excellence with the Brilliance Annual Day 2004, held this time at the expansive Khallikote College Stadium in Berhampur, Odisha. The open-air venue provided a magnificent backdrop for the evening's festivities as we welcomed the gracious Mrs. Jyoti Mishra, the celebrated Odia actress, as our Chief Guest. Her warm presence and encouraging words added a special glow to the proceedings, inspiring our young performers to give their very best.

2005

"Made for Each Other" 2005

In 2005, Anwesha Kala Kendra presented a uniquely heartwarming programme titled "Made for Each Other" at the Khallikote College Stadium in Berhampur, Odisha. The evening was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Krishna Abhishek, the celebrated Bollywood actor and comedian, as our Chief Guest. Departing from the conventional annual function format, this special event placed couples at its heart, inviting them to share their life journeys — the joys, the struggles, and the quiet moments of understanding that had strengthened their bonds over the years.

2006

Brilliance Annual Function 2006

In 2006, Anwesha Kala Kendra continued its proud tradition of celebrating artistic brilliance with the Brilliance Annual Function 2006, held at the Khallikote College Stadium in Berhampur, Odisha. The evening was honoured by the presence of the talented Odia actress Mrs. Anu Choudhary as our Chief Guest, whose warmth and grace added a special charm to the occasion. The stadium buzzed with energy as our artists took the stage to present a vibrant tapestry of performances.

2007

Brilliance Annual Function 2007

In 2007, Anwesha Kala Kendra proudly presented the Brilliance Annual Function 2007 at the Khallikote College Stadium in Berhampur, Odisha, with the evening made truly special by the presence of celebrated Odia actor Mr. Sabyasachi and the graceful actress Mrs. Vidusmita as our Chief Guests. Having not one but two luminaries of the Odia film industry grace the occasion added a unique sparkle to the proceedings, as their shared encouragement and inspiring words resonated deeply with our young artists.

2008

Brilliance 2008

In 2008, Anwesha Kala Kendra once again brought the community together for a memorable evening of art and culture with Brilliance 2008, held at the Khallikote College Stadium in Berhampur, Odisha. The occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of renowned film director Mr. Susant Mani and the talented Odia actress Mrs. Priya Chaudhary as our Chief Guests. Their distinguished contributions to the world of cinema and the performing arts added a special depth to the celebration.

2009

Brilliance Annual Function 2009

In 2009, Anwesha Kala Kendra proudly presented the Brilliance Annual Function 2009 at the Khallikote College Stadium in Berhampur, Odisha, with the esteemed Odia actor Mr. Sharat Pujari gracing the occasion as our Chief Guest. A respected figure in the Odia film industry known for his powerful performances, Mr. Pujari's presence brought a sense of gravitas and inspiration to the evening.

2026

Swapnila Odisha — India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

In 2026, Anwesha Kala Kendra took Odisha's cultural heritage to the national stage with "Swapnila Odisha, Bharat Smruti Re" at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi — a grand celebration of Odisha's literature, music, dance, folk arts, and traditional cuisine. The event honoured the birth anniversary of Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja and was graced by Union Culture & Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as Chief Guest, drawing wide acclaim and extensive media coverage across national publications.

2026

IHC Lok Sangeet Sammelan 2026

New Delhi, August 10, 2026: Anwesha Kala Kendra (AKK), concluded the IHC Lok Sangeet Sammelan 2026 on August 9, bringing together two distinctive and deeply rooted folk traditions from across India - Chhattisgarh’s Pandavani and Kerala’s Pulluvan Pattu. Held on August 8 and 9 at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, the two-day festival celebrated India’s rich living heritage of folk music, storytelling and ritual traditions, while creating a platform for traditional artistes and cultural practitioners to connect with contemporary audiences.