Come February, the backdrop of the monumental Konark Sun Temple in Odisha will come alive with enthralling live music, dance performances and festivity during the KONARK DANCE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL that is held every year in the month of February. Highly recommended, visit the state during the festival to witness exclusive dance forms of India combined with many exciting sites to discover the eastern Indian state on the Bay of Bengal – Odisha.
PC: Google Images
Time to celebrate: 07th to 9th February, 2020, at Konark Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha.
About Konark Dance & Music Festival:
Celebrated as the festival of Classical Dances of India, Konark Dance & Music Festival started in the year 1986 with an aim to promote Konark, as well as Odisha as a popular tourist destination. The festival also aims to provide a platform for classical dancers in India and to showcase India’s cultural depth with the dance forms.
Some of the best dancers of national as well as international repute grace the stage and perform different forms of beautiful Indian classical dances such as Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak, Manipuri, Mohiniattam and other classical, folk and tribal dances & music enchanting the audience.
PC: Google Images
An art connoisseur can enjoy and appreciate different forms of Indian classical dance forms at a single venue. The experience is magical and scintillating.
Other highlights of the festival:
Sand Sculpture; PC; Google Images
Sand art exhibition and crafts fairs (or mela) are also arranged during the Konark Festival, adding much gusto to the festival. Even though dance is the key highlight of the Konark Festival, the event is a complete cultural encounter, wherein the exquisite traditional arts and crafts of Odisha are exhibited.
About Konark Sun Temple:
PC: Google Images
Konark Temple is an ancient archaeological and historical site dating back to 13th century. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, the Sun Temple was built by Raja Narasimhadeva of the powerful Ganga dynasty. The temple is designed as the chariot of Sun God, drawn by seven exquisitely carved celestial horses and features Kalinga style of architecture and erotic sculptures. Most parts of this temple is in ruins, but it is still worth paying a visit to because of its exciting history as well as fantastic photography options.
Exquisite architecture of Konark Sun Temple; PC: Google Images
THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN ODISHA:
Odisha is a hub of rich culture, wildlife, nature, architecture and arts are but a few of the many delights that Odisha has to offer. And it’s very likely that you will return with some of the best travel memories of India. There are an array of things to experience here. To name a few:
Go Bird Watching and Dolphin Spotting at Chilika Lake
Migratory Birds at Chilika Lake; PC: Google Images
Watch a Beautiful Sunset at the Pristine Chandipur Beach.
Sunset at Chandipur Beach; PC: Google Images
Take an artwork tour at the heritage crafts village – Raghurajpur.
The artistic village of Raghurajpur
Marvel at the Architectural Wonders of Temples and Caves in Bhubaneshwar.
PC: Google Images
The Festival is a potential platform for the performing artist and dance and music enthusiast. With elegant and mesmerizing dance performances in sight, no wonder the Konark Dance Festival is a big hit with travelers from in and around the globe. And it’s popularity has put Konark on the world map. So mark your cultural calendar for the Konark dance festival, in Odisha, in India.
