Puri, Dec 1: The 34th edition of Konark Mahotsav began on Friday at Konark in Odisha’s Puri district.
The International Sand Art Festival was also declared open, in the evening alongside the dance festival in the presence of thousands of tourists and audience.
Minister of Culture & Tourism Aswini Kumar Patra, Minister of State for Home Tusarkanti Behera, OTDC Chairperson Lelin Mohanty along with Director Tourism Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav,Konark NAC Chairperson Sanjukta Tripathy and MP Jagatsinghpur, Rajashree Mallick inaugurated the festivals.
Conceived as a unique festival of Classical Dance forms of India, the five day carnival was organised at the open air- auditorium.
Worth mentioning, the Mahotsav is jointly organised by Odisha Tourism Development Corporation and Odissi Research Centre from December 1 to 5. Leading exponents and dance enthusiasts of almost all classical dance forms of India, including Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kuchipudi and Kathak will take part in the five day classical dance carnival.
“The international festival this year will be more attractive and interesting for the visitors. This festival is a matter of pride for the entire people of Odisha and especially for the residents of Konark”, said Odisha Tourism Department Director Sachin Jadav while reviewing the preparations on Thursday.
The objective of Konark Festival was to promote the glory of the Sun Temple at Konark, as well as Odisha as a tourist destination. The Konark Dance Festival showcases the best of the traditional and classical dance forms of India, besides offering interesting insights into the rich cultural and dance heritage of the country like no one else.
