Konark Festival & International Sand Art Festival conclude with spectacular performances

Konark, Dec 6: The 35th Konark Festival concluded on a high note, captivating audiences with an extraordinary display of Odissi and Bharatanatyam performances at the Sun Temple's open-air auditorium. The evening also marked the grand finale of the 14th International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach, showcasing breathtaking sand sculptures that left visitors in awe.

The Konark Festival began with a ceremonial lamp lighting, officiated by Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Bhubaneswar, Rahul Karan, and other distinguished dignitaries. The evening’s performance began with an enchanting Odissi recital by Guru Dona Ganguly and her troupe from Diksha Manjari, Kolkata. Their performance began with the Surya Vandana, a hymn dedicated to the Sun God, followed by Mangala Charana Shantakaram, a devotional verse to Lord Vishnu.

The highlight of the performance was the intricate Pallavi-Saveri, a piece choreographed by the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, showcasing masterful footwork and expressive storytelling. The recital concluded with Durga, a powerful depiction of the goddess as Shakti, which elicited a standing ovation from the audience.

The grand finale featured a mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performance by Guru Geeta Chandran and the Natya Vriksha Dance Collective. Their performance, Pravahati, was a seamless fusion of tradition and innovation, featuring iconic pieces like Mallari, Sakhi-Swaram, and Raas. Geeta’s graceful movements and commanding stage presence captivated the audience, marking the perfect end to the festival.

Meanwhile, the International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach featured stunning sand sculptures by 8 international artists from countries including Germany, Mexico, Russia, and Sri Lanka. Themes such as Manabasa Gurubara, Global Warming, and Temples of Odisha were brought to life in fine detail. The artists were felicitated by Padmashri Sudarshan Patnaik, India’s renowned sand artist from Odisha.

National and state-level sand artists were also recognized with awards for their exceptional craftsmanship. This festival underscored Odisha's commitment to fostering creativity, with artists from across the globe coming together to celebrate art and raise awareness on important global issues.

The success of both festivals was attributed to the collaborative efforts of Odisha Tourism, the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation, and local authorities, along with the immense support of the artistic community. As the festivals come to a close, the Department of Tourism extended heartfelt thanks to all involved in making this year's events memorable.

These festivals continue to honor Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, drawing global visitors to experience the state’s vibrant traditions and extraordinary artistry.