Odisha welcomed the tourist season with the grand inauguration of the Konark Dance Festival and the 14th International Sand Art Festival on December 1. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, ceremoniously lit the lamp to commence the much-anticipated annual events.
Hosted by Odisha Tourism in collaboration with the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi (OSNA) and the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), the five-day festival showcases India’s cultural and artistic richness. The inaugural evening of the 35th Konark Dance Festival was a mesmerizing tribute to India’s classical dance heritage. It opened with an Odissi recital by Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar, offering a soulful invocation to Lord Jagannath.
The Chandrabhaga Beach, located near the iconic Sun Temple of Konark, was transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity during the International Sand Art Festival. This year’s edition featured 129 artists, including eight international participants from the UK, Mexico, Germany, Japan, Russia, Portugal, Spain, and Sri Lanka.
At the nearby Sun Temple, visitors had the unique opportunity to gaze at these stunning sand sculptures and even try their hand at making them themselves. A total of 35 awe-inspiring sculptures were crafted around themes such as women empowerment, Odia asmita (pride), and world heritage and monuments.
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The dance steps that echo through centuries! Artists grace the stage with enchanting performances at the festival. (Photo courtesy: X@DDIndialive)
A Mohiniyattam performance by Dr Sunanda Nair & Group from the USA. (Photo courtesyX@odisha_tourism)
The Chandrabhaga Beach near Konark's Sun Temple hosted the International Sand Art Festival, featuring 129 artists, including global participants from the UK, Mexico, Japan, and more. (Photos courtesy: Xodisha_tourism)
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The stunning sand art displays on the pristine Chandrabhaga beach. The themes were: Cleanliness is Service, Beauty of Marine Life, and Wildlife & Environment. (Photos courtesy: X@odisha_tourism)
