Afro Asian Business Chronicle

Konark Festival is held every year (1-5 Dec). It is a festival of classical dances of India held at Konark open Air Auditorium in Orissa. The objective of Konark Festival is to promote Konark as well as Orissa as place of tourist destination.

Thirty five km. to the north-east of Puri lies the World Heritage Monument, the Sun Temple of Konark, a world heritage wonder. Twelve hundred craftsmen toiled hard for 12 long years to erect this monumental wonder where 12 year's revenue was spent. Inspired by the floating chariot of the mythical Sun God, the temple is a quintessence of artistic skill of ancient Orissa. The temple architecture is designed exquisitely to transport the viewer to an ancient era. The kings, queens, generals, foot soldiers, sages, priests, elephants, horses, courtiers and courtesans depicted intricately on the walls and the panels open a window to the royal times of medieval Orissa.

The Annual Konark Festival, held with the temple as the backdrop, showcases a magical parade of India's classical and traditional dance forms. Eminent dancers enthrall visitors in the wintry days with dramatic choreographies.

Besides the dance performances, the visitors are treated to an exhibition of Orissan temple sculptures which are often described as poetry carved in stone. Sand Art exhibition is also a fascinating attraction for tourists.

Art & Culture Desk