[In Pics] 33rd Edition Konark Dance Festival Kicks Off

Konark: The 33rd edition of the Konark Dance Festival, being organised in the backdrop of the Sun Temple, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday.

The five-day festival began with a performance by Malaysian Odissi dancer Ramli Ibrahim and his troupe from Sutra Foundation. His choreography centred around remembering Lord Rama and Devi 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 creative artistes from India and across the globe.

Among others, 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 being organised at Chandrabhaga Beach in Konark on the same dates which attracts a large number of tourists.