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Konark Dance Festival
Place : Konark,
Orissa
The sun temple in Konark, about 65
km from Bhubaneswar, near the sacred city of Puri, in Orissa better known as
the 'Black  Pagoda' is a magnificent structure built of
black granite designed as the chariot of the Sun God drawn by seven exquisitely
carved horses. The temple situated on the Chandrabhaga beach of
Konark is famed
as a
world heritage site. The exquisite 'Natyamandap' or the 'dancing hall' of this 700-year old shrine is an architectural
wonder with well-adorned sculptures in Odissi dance poses, often expressed as
poetry transcribed on stone.
An open air auditorium with the temple as the backdrop, is
the venue of the Konark Festival, a major dance festival held annually in
early December which showcases a magical parade of the classical and
traditional dance forms of India. The Natya Mandap holds a similar festival of classical dance and music
in February also, annually.
Konark Festival was organised for the first time in
1989 in the Open Air Auditorium at Konark constructed with the financial
assistance of Government of India. Conceived as a festival of Classical Dances
of India, the objective of Konark Festival was to promote Konark, as well as
Orissa as a tourist destination.
A host of celebrated dancers from all over the country perform in the open air
auditorium. The festival is a celebration of the much appreciated Odissi,
Bharathnatyam,
Manipuri, Kathak
and
Chau Dance - a lavish feast for the eyes and ears. The sound of Ghungroo
bells, flute and Pakhauj gives it a festive mood. There is also a crafts mela,
with a variety of handicrafts organized by the State Industry Department, and visitors
can relish the regional tasty cuisine as well during the festival. The festival is jointly
organized by Orissa Tourism, Orissa Dance Academy and Konark Natya Mandap.
Contact Address
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Konark Natya Mandap
Arka Vihar, Konark- 752111, Orissa
Phone : 06758- 236835, Mobile : (0)9937008022,
9437231646, 9937008022
E-mail : Contact
now
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Orissa Tourist Office,
Department of Tourism, Govt. of Orissa, Paryatan Bhawan,
Near State Museum,
Bhubaneswar - 751 014
Ph: +91 674 2432177, Fax: (0674) 2430887
E-mail : Contact
now
How to get there
Air : The nearest airport from Konark is Biju Pattanaik Airport at Bhubaneswar
(65km)
Rail : Puri(35km) and Bhubaneswar (65 kms) are the nearest railheads from Konark.
Road : Konark is connected by excellent all-weather roads with Puri
(35 kms) and Bhubaneswar (65 kms).
Regular bus services operates from Cuttack, Puri and Bhubaneswar. Cars, Auto
rikshaws and Jeeps for hire are available from Puri and Bhubaneswar.
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