TV
The 35th Konark Dance Festival and 14th Sand Art Festival kicked off with breathtaking classical dance performances in Puri on Sunday.
The five-day-long festivals were inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi this evening and those will continue till December 5. While the Konark Dance Festival celebrates the country’s classical dance forms, the International Sand Art Festival gives a canvas to global sand artists.
The Konark Festival is jointly being organised by Odisha Tourism Department, Odisha Sangeet Natak Academi and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation Limited (OTDC).
Classical dances like Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Manipuri and Bharatanatyam will be performed at Konark festival’s open-air stage with its soft golden lights, set against the backdrop of the 13th century Unesco World Heritage Site — Sun Temple in Konark at 6 pm every day. It will feature classic tales of devotion, love, and mythology.
Read Also: Eco Retreat opens at Bhitarkanika to welcome nature enthusiasts
Moreover, several sand arts prepared by the sand artists coming from different parts of the globe will be showcased in as many as 35 stalls from 9am to 9pm as part of the International Sand Art Festival. Visitors will get an opportunity to witness these sand sculptures during the festival.
“Konark Festival is a reflection of Odia Asmita (identity). The way the Odia artistes showcased their talents and dance gurus executed the programmes were really world-class and attractive. Thousands of people witnessed the programme today. In the coming days, Konark Festival will grow and put the culture of Odisha on the world map,” said CM Majhi.
