State : Orissa, Konark
Venue : Open Air Auditorium, Konark
Time of Celebration : 4th to 8th December
Konark Sun Temple, located at the distance of 65 km from Bhubaneswar, near the divine city of Puri, Orissa -popularly referred to as the 'Black Pagoda' is a impressive complex of black granite configured as the chariot of Surya (Sun God) drawn by seven exquisitely carved horses. The temple located on the popular Chandrabhaga Beach of Konark is a well known World Heritage Site. The elegant Natyamandap' of this 700 year old wonder is an architectural marvel beautified with well decorated sculptures in Odissi dance poses, often referred to as poetry carved in stone.
A well adorned open auditorium with the temple as a background is the venue of the Konark festival, a famed dance festival held annually in the month of December (4th to 8th December) displaying exotic array of traditional Indian classical dances from various parts of the country.
Konark Dance Festival was first organized in the year 1989 with the combined efforts from State government and financial assistance from Government of India. The main objective of the Konark Dance Festival is the promotion of Konark temple as well as Orissa is a popular tourists destination in India.
A host of illustrious classical dance from every part of the country perform in the open air auditorium. Among the much celebrated dance are Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Chau, Kathak, Kathakali and Manipuri dance – a soothing feast for the eyes and ears. The rhythmic sound of flute, Pakhauj and Ghungroo boosts up your mood. There is also a handicraft mela conducted by the State Industry Department, as well as there is food from various part of the country.
Reaching Konark :
By Air : The nearest airport is Biju Pattanaik Airport 65 kms away from Bhubaneshwar
By Train : Bhubaneshwar (65kms) and Puri (35kms) are the nearest railway stations from Konark
By Road : There is regular bus service from Puri, Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar. Apart from that cars and auto-rikshaw are readily availble from Puri and Bhubaneshwar.
Aparana Chauhan
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