Argus News - CM Majhi Inaugurates 36th Konark Festival, International Sand Art Festival

Puri, Dec 1: The 36th Konark Festival and the 15th International Sand Art Festival opened Monday at the Konark Sun Temple complex, marking the start of a five-day cultural celebration organised by the state Tourism Department in collaboration with the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC).

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the festivals as chief guest. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Dr Priyanka Marandi, Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak, Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra, Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mohapatra, Kakatpur MLA Tusharkanti Behera, Puri MLA Sunil Kumar Mahanty, Tourism Director Deepankar Mahapatra, Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida and Puri SP Prateek Singh were among the dignitaries present.

As in previous years, the International Sand Art Festival began simultaneously on Chandrabhaga beach. This year, about 140 Indian sand artists, including 40 women, are participating. Five international artists from Spain, Russia, Japan, Portugal and Sri Lanka have also arrived to create large-scale sculptures on the beach.

Day One Performances at Konark Festival
The inaugural evening opened with an Odissi presentation by Sonali Mohapatra and artistes of Nrutya Upasana Pitha. The troupe performed “Hanuman Chalisa,” composed by Guru Abhiram Nanda and choreographed by Guru Sonali Mohapatra, followed by “Saranga Pallavi,” a pure dance piece choreographed by Mohapatra with music and rhythm composed by Nirmal Kumar Mohapatra. The artistes concluded with “Chari Juga Devi,” portraying the divine power of Goddess Durga.

The second presentation of the evening featured Bharatanatyam by artistes of Shankarananda Kalakshetra, led by Dr Anand Shankar Jayant. The troupe opened with “Dashavatara,” based on verses by Saint Ramdas, followed by “Devi Upasakam.” They closed with “Shivoham,” an offering to Lord Shiva blending poetry, rhythm and classical structure. The presentation was choreographed by Dr Jayant.

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Tourism Department officials, OTDC staff and the Sangeet Natak Akademi coordinated the event. The evening was compered by Dr Mrutyunjaya Rath and Nazia Alam, with support from Dr Sangita Gosain.