Konark Dance and Music Festival is an ideal festival with a unique identity which is more than enough to have a close interaction with the renowned national and international artistes. However, it is a best chance to witness the spiritual and aesthetic essence highlighting the cultural awareness of Orissa continuously for 3 days.
Prepare yourself for an open-air cultural treat on the entrancing stage of the Natyashala that includes the dignified dance performances of the experts like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak and Manipuri. Plus, the delightful ambiance of casuarinas and cashew trees motivate them to execute some classical, tribal and folk flavors of India in front of all, Konark Dance and Music Festival.
The Founder-Director of this stately recreation of the past sculptural masterpiece is late Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, who was an eminent Odissi dance guru and mardal player of international status. The dance event is jointly organized by Orissa Tourism and Odissi Research Centre, which also gives you an option to visit crafts mela, where you have ied options of purchasing handmade items. However, for big foodies there is a special arrangement of delicious cuisines which are worth-satisfying their appetite.
Thus, it is one of the biggest festivals of India to be enjoyed and brings in many artistes to create international cultural accord and brotherhood Konark Dance and Music Festival.
History of Konark Dance Festival
Konark Dance and Music Festival was founded by Padamashree Guru Gangadhar Pradhan in the 20th century, with the aim of identifying and working on the progress of different Indian classical dance forms, which are part of the integral heritage of India.
Also, these dance forms are majorly linked to temples. Konark Temple is deeply connected to India’s soulful heritage of classical dance and music. The temple is one of the reasons to keep organizing such events & festivals. The Konark Temple was constructed by Raja Narasingha Deva I who hailed from the Ganga Dynasty.
The first Konark Dance Festival was organized in the year of 1989 by Odissi Guru and the founder of Konark Dance Festival, Padamashree Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, Konark Dance and Music Festival.
Highlights of the Festival
- Konark Dance Festival is organized in the world heritage site, the Sun Temple.
- It is held during the first five days of December month.
- The dance performances take place in the Natyamandir, an attractive piece of Indian architecture where the walls are covered with beautiful artistic designs from the ancient times.
- Celebrated dancers from all across the nation take part in the Konark Dance and Music Festival in an open-air auditorium.
- The sound of classical music fills the air with eternal delight.
- Dances forms like Odissi, Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam are chief attractions here.
Major Attractions of Konark Dance Festival 2021
- Cultural Activities
Classical dance and music performances are staples of this festival. Internationally famous artists show their talents in Indian classical dance forms such as Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Manipuri, Kathak, and Kuchipudi, Konark Dance and Music Festival.
- Folk & Tribal Dance and Music Performances
You will get to enjoy performances on several folks and tribal dance forms of Bihar, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and more. One can enjoy melodious music of the flute, drums, tabla, and even veena played by talented folk artists, Konark Dance and Music Festival.
- Violin Brothers
Deb Sankar and Jyoti Shankar Roy are the founders of Violin Brothers. The former has performed at several international events and has also composed music on several songs of Rabindra Nath Tagore. He attended Meridian Arts Centre as a guest conductor which is a great honor in itself. In the past years, he has graced the stage of the Konark Dance and Music Festival with his soulful music. Jyoti Shankar Roy, on the other hand, is also known for his tremendous contribution to Indian Classical Music. Together, Violin Brothers have expanded the horizons of Indian classical music, composing soulful violin melodies.
- Brajeswar Mukherjee
He has been a disciple of Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty since 1997. He is known for his talent in playing Indian musical instruments including Tabla, Veena, and Harmonium. In several musical events, he has even accompanied his guru on harmonium Konark Dance and Music Festival.
- Artist Line-ups
Meenakshi Sheshadri, a famous Bollywood actress, who is known for her South Indian classical dancing talent too, also graces the Konark Dance and Music Festival. She is a trained dancer of Kathak, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, and Odissi. Other major artists are Guru Lingara, Padma Subrahmanyam, Nandini Singh, and Rupashree Mohapatra.
- The Lit-up Amphitheatre
The amphitheater, where the dance festival is organized, is fully lit up with fairy lights. It is situated against the magnificent Konark Temple. Decorated with colors, lights, and beautiful flowers, the whole ambiance ensures a great experience for the audience and artists to get involved and enjoy. Also, the Konark Temple is situated amidst the charming coconut, casuarina, and mango trees that hold a positive environment. One can surely have a good time while exploring the temple and enjoying the cultural Konark Dance and Music Festival.
- The Craft Bazaar
Apart from exploring cultural extravaganza, one can enjoy roaming in the crafts bazaar. Konark Dance and Music Festival It is set outside the amphitheater showcasing the works of talented artisans and craftsmen across the country. The articles include jewelry, handicrafts, embroidered clothes, woodwork, and paintings on palm leaves, etc.
- The Food Fiesta
There are several food stalls aligned that will let you explore different Indian cuisines from across the country. Konark Dance and Music Festival Do not miss this unique opportunity to relish the different regional cuisines of India.