Shyamhari Chakra
Bhubaneswar: With the prevailing pandemic spreading like forest fire, the fate of Odisha’s Tourism’s four famed festivals is hanging in balance causing depression among the various stake-holders of tourism and hospitality services.
These branded annual events of Government of Odisha – Konark Dance Festival, Chandrabhaga International Sand Art Festival, Mukteswar Dance Festival and Rajarani Music Festival – used to be major attractions for the tourists during the peak period of tourism season.
Although Odisha’s tourism season starts in September and extends till March, the winter months of December and January are considered as the peak period when the Golden Triangle of Puri-Konark-Bhubaneswar gets maximum footfall. The four festivals have been primarily designed to beckon tourists from abroad and encourage them to retain their stay in the state over prolonged periods.
While internationally known Konark Dance Festival – hosted during December 1 to 5 – has been happening since three decades, the International Sand Art Festival, that is also held at Konark during the same dates, has been a major attraction despite being a recent addition.
The capital city of Bhubaneswar hosts two major events – Mukteswar Dance Festival, exclusive with Odissi, happens every year during January 14 to 16 followed by the Rajarani National Music festival from January 18 to 20. Like the Konark festival, these two festivals are also staged at world famous heritage sites that has been the unique attraction of these festivals.
“Usually, preparations for these festival start by June and we have already held preparatory committee meetings to remain ready for the festivals with selection of artistes well in advance”, officials in the Department of Tourism – known as Odisha Tourism – stated.
While the Department is hopeful, tour operators, hoteliers, travel agents and hospitality industry observers appeared skeptical. “With the uncertainty over resumption of international air travel and the fear of a prolonged pandemic apart from the deteriorating economic situation across the world, we can’t expect people to plan their trip to Odisha this year,” many of them pointed out.
With the Government’s focus on fighting the pandemic, the health sector requires huge amount of money. Hence, it may not consider it wise to invest about Rs.2-crore in these festivals without expecting adequate number of tourists, some of them feared.
