Konark Dance & Music Festival: The 40th Konark Dance & Music Festival was organised with great devotion and artistic brilliance at Konark Natya Mandap in Konark. The festival was presented by Konark Natya Mandap as a tribute to the legendary Odissi Guru Guru Gangadhar Pradhan and featured a series of captivating performances by eminent artistes and institutions.
The evening commenced with Ghanta Mardal by Konark Natya Mandap, creating a devotional ambience, followed by Panchadeva Stuti, presented by Konark Natya Mandap.
The third presentation, Guru Gangadhar Vandana, was jointly performed by Konark Natya Mandap, Konark and Nrutyalaya Dance Academy, Nimapada, as a humble homage to the great Guru.
A major highlight of the festival was the violin recital by Pt. Kailash Patra, who rendered Raag Malkauns with depth and concluded with a melodious Mishra Dhun, accompanied by Shri Biswaranjan, earning high appreciation from the audience.
This was followed by an elegant Odissi dance performance by the students of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar, showcasing the beauty and discipline of the classical tradition.
The festival concluded with a vibrant Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam performance by Swetha and Shivaranjani Harish and group from Bangalore, which mesmerised the audience and brought the programme to a grand finale.
The festival was graced by eminent personalities such as Dr. Bijay Kumar Jena, Principal, Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya; Smt. Sujata Mohapatra, Eminent Odissi Exponent; Guru Nimakanta Routray, renowned Odissi vocal exponent; and Shri Ashok Kumar Behera, President, Press Club, Nimapada, who attended as Guests of Honour.
The event was compered by internationally acclaimed Masters of Ceremony Shri Hrushikesh Panigrahi and Smt. Sudipta Panigrahi, whose graceful presentation added dignity to the programme.
The festival was successfully accomplished by the Secretary, Shri Sibashis Pradhan, whose dedicated efforts ensured the grand success of the 40th Konark Dance & Music Festival.
