33rd Konark Dance Festival Begins

33rd Konark Dance Festival Begins

The 33rd edition of the Konark Dance Festival began on Thursday in the backdrop of the Sun Temple. The dance extravaganza was inaugurated by CM Naveen Patnaik. The festival opened with a breathtaking performance by Malaysian Odissi dancer Ramli Ibrahim and his troupe from Sutra Foundation. The dance depicted scenes from the lives of Rama and Sita. This was followed by a Kathak performance titled ‘Chhand-Laya-Gati’ by Rajendra Gangani and his group from Guru Kundanlal Gangani Foundation, New Delhi.

CM Naveen Patnaik welcomed the visitors on the first day of the festival and said they will be able to witness the beauty of Indian classical dance forms being performed by some of the most creative artistes from India and across the globe. Culture Minister Aswini Kumar Patra and Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera were present on the first day of the dance festival.

Conceived as a festival of Classical Dances of India, the objective of the Konark Festival is to promote Konark, as well as Odisha as a tourist destination. During the festival, the entire Konark reverberates with the sounds of ghungroo bells, flute, and pakhawaj.

A Crafts Mela is also held at the Urban Haat, Konark which adds magic to the festival. Besides, the International Sand Art Festival is also being organised at Chandrabhaga Beach in Konark on the same dates which attracts a large number of tourists.