Konark Festival 2024: The second day of the 35th Konark Festival 2024 unfolded with a magnificent display of Indian classical dance forms, featuring Manipuri and Odissi performances against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sun Temple. Chief Guest of the evening Judge of Supreme Court Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra along with Guest of honour Chief Justice High Court Odisha Justice Chakradhari Saran Singh felicitated the artists who gave memorable showcase of India’s classical traditions.
The first performance was presented by Guru Smt. Priti Patel and group from Anjika – Center for Manipuri Dance, Kolkata. Their recital, Nachom Lei, captured the essence of Manipuri dance, weaving legends, nature, and emotions into a visual poetry of devotion, love, and bravery. The group’s expressive movements and aesthetic choreography enchanted the audience.
The second segment showcased Guru Smt. Aloka Kanungo and her group from Shinjan Nrityalaya, Kolkata, performing Odissi dance recitals on Bande Mataram, Tara Pallavi, and Soorya Labanyam. Combining intricate footwork with graceful movements, the troupe highlighted the lyrical and emotive depth of Odissi. Guru Aloka Kanungo’s expertise, rooted in tradition yet enriched with contemporary sensibilities, left the audience in awe. Choreographed by Guru Kanungo, the dance recitals had Music by Shri Himansu Swain, Smt. Susri Sangeeta Panda and Shri Laxmikanta Palit while the rhythm was set by Guru Shri Dhaneswar Swain.
This celebration of art and heritage continues to draw tourists and art connoisseurs from across the globe.
14th International Sand Art Festival
Throughout the day, the Chandrabhaga Beach hosted the 14th International Sand Art Festival. The themes for day 2 of the event were Viksit Odisha Viksit Bharat, Sustainable Eco-Tourism and Our Culture, Fair & Festivals. More than 120 artists from Odisha and other Indian states along with artists from eight other countries created spellbinding sand sculptures, transforming the beach into a vibrant tableau of creativity and environmental consciousness.
Notable Attendees
The events were graced by prominent dignitaries. The ceremonial lamp at Konark Festival was lit by Minister Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water and Rural Development Shri Rabi Narayan Naik in the presence of General Manager East Coast Railway Shri Parmeshwar Funkwal. Officials of Department of Tourism including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Tourism Shri Balwant Singh and Special Secretary Tourism Shri Balamukunda Bhuyan were also present.
Looking Ahead
The 5-day Konark Festival continues to showcase the cultural grandeur of Odisha, providing a platform for India’s finest classical dance forms. Audiences worldwide can experience this celebration of art and heritage through live streaming on Odisha Tourism’s social media platforms and DD Bharati besides television broadcasts on DD Odia and DD Bharti.
