Northeast culture showcased at Konark Festival in Odisha

Recently, the 30th edition of the Konark Dance and Music Festival was organised in the backdrop of Konark Temple where artists from across the country showcased the country's diverse culture. Artists from Manipur also enthralled the audience with their dazzling performances.

Konark's Sun Temple in Odisha is a well known world heritage site.

Various artists showcased a magical parade of India's classical and traditional dance forms. Be it Odissi, Bharathnatyam, Kathak, Manipuri and Satriya, each performance reflected India's diverse culture.

"The festival is really nice. I really like Odishi's performance today. Manipur is different and I like it very soft," said Maya, Tourist.

During the event, artists from Manipur also performed Manipuri classical dance called 'Lai Haraoba'. They also performed the famous 'Rass Leela' dance which depicts the eternal love of Radha and Krishna. Later, the artists performed Pung Cholom or Drum dance.

In this dance form, the drummer identifies completely with the intricate rhythms he plays on the drum and expresses it through corresponding body movements and footwork.

"We have performed some of the dances in this program today. We have performed a ritual dance form of Lai haraoba, Dhol chalom and classical dance tanum like south India dance, and then we have also performed Manipuri dance and lastly Rass leela," said Ajit, an artist from Manipur

"I feel very good. While performing Manipuri dance in between the different dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Odishi. I feel very good. Audiences are very nice," said another artist Parul Devi.

Such festivals not only reflect the country's diverse culture, but help unite people by promoting harmony.