Every year the Festival opens with a modern choreography based on martial art and then showcases traditional martial dance forms from different parts of India. During the
1st Kalinga Mahotsav, which took place on the 1st and 2nd of February 2003 a creative choreography
'Jarjara' was presented as the opening item..
| 1st February | Jarjara a creative choreography in Mayurbhanji Chhau and Thang Ta composed by Dr. Ileana Citaristi |
| Paika Dance by Jogamaya Paika sangha, Bacchra, Orissa |
| Kalarippayattu by Udaya Kalari Sangham, Manjakkal, Kerala |
| 2nd February | Thang Ta by Huyan Lalan Tang-Ta School, Imphal, Manipur |
| Chhau by Mayurbhanji Chhau Nrutya Pratisthan,Baripada |