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Konark Dance Festival started in the year 1986 at Konark Natya Mandap by its Founder-Director Padmashree Guru Gangadhar Pradhan. In a sense it can be called the harbinger of the contemporary festivals of Orissa. The sole aim behind this festival is to bring in many artistes into its cultural family and creating of international cultural amity and brotherhood. This festival has established its own unique identity in the sense that eminent artists of national and international repute participate and perform Odissi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam and other classical, folk & tribal dances / music of our country on the enchanting stage of the Natyashala in the monumental Sun Temple, Konark. The stage and the atmosphere is magnified by the spiritual and aesthetic flavor, in the natural ambience of casuarinas and cashew trees. This festival is held every year from 19th to 23rd February.
Event Name: Konark Dance Festival
Category: Dance & Music Festival
Duration: February 19 – 23
Location: Open air auditorium, Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
Konark Dance Festival – The sun temple in Konark is famed as a world heritage site. The exquisite ‘Natya Mandir‘ or the ‘dancing hall’ of this 700-year old shrine is an architectural wonder with well-adorned sculptures in Odissi dance poses.
Konark Dance Festival is held in February in the beautiful backdrop of the Sun temple in Konark, Orissa. This world heritage sight formed way back in the 13th century on the beach of Chandrabhaga. The exquisite ‘Natya Mandir‘ or the ‘dancing hall’ of this shrine is an architectural wonder.
Every inch of its walls have been covered with fine artistic designs of the ancient times. Musicians playing drums, cymbals and other musical instruments adorn the sculptures in Odissi dance poses. It is blessed with changing intensity and a range of emotions.
This is the venue of a joyous festival of classical dance and music, which is held annually on December. A host of celebrated dancers from all over the country perform in the open-air auditorium. The festival is a celebration of the much appreciated Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhau Dance – a lavish feast for the eyes and ears. The sound of Ghungroo bells, flute and Pakhawaj gives it a festive mood. There is also a crafts mela, with a variety of handicrafts and tasty cuisine during the festival. The festival is jointly organised by Orissa Tourism and Odissi Research Centre.
Konark Dance Festival takes place in an open-air auditorium against the backdrop of the floodlit temples that reverberates with the beats of ‘Raga’ and ‘Tala’ to fill the air with the sounds of classical music. The classical extravaganza is a journey through eternal ecstasy.
The festival provides a platform for both to the performing artiste and the dance connoisseurs in appreciating the essence of various classical dance forms of the country and also to the new artists who are yet to make their mark on the international scale.
