Konark Dance Festival To Start Along With International Sand Festival On Dec 1
28 November,Bhubaneswar
Konark dance festival, considered to be one of the biggest classical dance and musical festival of the country, will kick start in the open Air Auditorium at Konark in the backdrop of famous Sun Temple on December 1 next.
Odisha Minister for Tourism and Culture Ashok Chandra Panda said the festival, organised by the state Tourism department, will continue till December 5 next.
Along with the Classical dance festival the international Sand Art Festival would also be held at Chandrabhaga beach during the period.
Panda said as many as ten highly acclaimed artists have confirmed their participation during the five-day long extravaganza.
Renowned danseuse like Jatin Goswami, Vyjayanthi Kashi, Rajshree Shirke are scheduled to perform during the festival.
The audience will have an opportunity to enjoy the performance of famous artistes of classical Bharatnatyam, the graceful Odissi, the expressive Kuchipudi, lilting Sattriya, rhythmic Manipuri and the statuesque Kathak dance styles.
The five-day festival will showcase performances in Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Sastriya and Kathak.
At the International Sand Art Festival 5 international sand artists from USA, Africa, Columbia, Spain and New Zealand along with 30 national sand artists including 12 women and 2 differently abled sand artists will display their artistic skills.
World renowned sand artist from Odisha Padmashri Sudarsan Pattnaik has been declared as Brand Ambassador of the International Sand Art Festival. Mr Panda said awards and trophies shall be given to the winners of the sand Art festival.
OTDC shall sponsor free stays in Panthanivas for the winners. The Minister said to add colour to the festival an artist camp, a cycle rally and a Sahitya Asara will be organized.
Eminent poets and writers are schedule to participate in the Sahitya Asara to be held on December 4 next.. Konark Cyclothon, the cycle rally organized by Roots of Odisha will be started on November 29 from Konark to create awareness about the festival. Like previous year, this year also Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) has designed special tour packages for the Konark Festival and the International Sand Art Festival 2015,he said.BM