Jhulana Utsav 2024: The Konark Natya Mandap, nestled among sand dunes between cashew trees, was established in 1986, stands as a prestigious hub for artistic performances. The architectural beauty stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of the Late Padma Shri Guru Dr. Gangadhar Pradhan, a renowned Odissi dancer and internationally acclaimed Mardala player. Modeled after the ancient natyashala of Konark’s iconic Sun Temple, the Mandap provides an inspiring environment for artists, connoisseurs, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
A popular saying in Odia states that in Odisha, there are 13 festivals in the 12 months of the year. Among these, the Jhulana Utsav is a unique celebration where Lord Krishna and Radha swing together. This festival takes place in the month of Shravan (August), from the tenth day to the full moon, coinciding with the birthday of Lord Balabhadra.
In Odisha, Lord Krishna, also known as Madan Mohan, the officiating deity of Lord Jagannath, is carried in a grand procession and placed on a beautifully decorated swing. Once nurtured in monasteries as a recreational festival for Lord Jagannath during the rainy season, it has now become a mass celebration, holding a prominent place in Odisha’s traditional calendar.
This year, the Jhulana Utsav has started on August 15th, 2024. The festival offers a wonderful opportunity for the younger generation, with performers from different parts of the country and abroad thrilled to showcase their talents on such a prestigious platform. Our dream is to transform the stone-carved Konark into a living, vibrant Konark—a place where music and Odissi culture come alive through the silent majesty of its architectural wonders. (Photo-Konark Natya Mandap, Konark)
