Konark Festival to be inaugurated on December 1

The Konark Dance Festival, which is being held annually since 1989, has been drawing tourists, dance and music lovers at the biggest cultural event in the state.

"This year the budget for the festival is about Rs 50 lakh," said tourism and culture secretary A K Tripathy.

As many as 10 highly-acclaimed artists have confirmed participation at this year's festival, Tripathy said adding the five-day event will showcase performances in Odissi, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatryam, Sattriya and Mohiniattam.

Besides Odia artists, a number of dancers from different parts of the country such as Ahemedabad (Mallika Sarabhai and group), Guwahati (Anita Sharma) and New Delhi (Kasturi Pattnaik and group) will perform this time, he said.

"Each year the majestic Sun Temple of Konark serves as backdrop to the scintillating Dance Festival, which is a platform for wellknown exponents of different classical dance styles come together," he said. (MORE)