Puri, Dec 2: Konark and its surroundings transformed into a radiant stage of grace and classical splendour on the second evening of the 36th Konark Festival, organised by the Tourism Department of the Government of Odisha. The air was filled with rhythm, expression, and devotion as audiences were treated to captivating Kuchipudi and Odissi performances.

The evening opened with a Kuchipudi presentation by artists of the Shambhavi School of Dance, Bengaluru, led by renowned danseuse Vyjayanthi Kashi. Their production traced the many avatars of Lord Vishnu, portraying each incarnation as a symbol of cosmic balance and moral order. The highlight was the legendary tale of Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) -- a metaphor for the eternal human struggle between good and evil. Scripted by Dr Shatavadani R Ganesh, with music by DVS Sastry and choreography by Vyjayanthi Kashi, the performance celebrated Vishnu as the timeless preserver of the universe.

The second segment featured a spellbinding Odissi performance by Odissi Vision and Movement Centre, Kolkata, led by eminent Odissi exponent Sharmila Biswas. Their first piece, Mahālakṣmī Stotram, brought alive the powerful iconography of Goddess Mahalakshmi holding the conch, chakra, mace and lotus.

This was followed by Aavartana–Vivartana, exploring natural human rhythms through everyday actions and playful movements.

The concluding item, Sṛuṣṭi-Tattva, delved into ancient wisdom and modern thought, depicting life’s evolution through mythological imagery, including references to Jayadeva’s Dashavatara.

Music for the segments was composed by Srijan Chattopadhyay and Ramhari Das, with rhythmic compositions by Bijay Kumar Barik, Dhaneswar Swain, and choreography by Sharmila Biswas.

On Day 3, Odissi maestro Guru Ratikant Mohapatra and his troupe from Srjan will perform in the first session, followed by a Kathakali presentation by artists of Kerala Kalamandalam in the second session.

The evening was graced by Minister for Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, Odia Language, Literature & Culture Surjyabanshi Suraj, ASI Puri Circle Superintending Archaeologist Dr Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak, Tourism Director Deepankar Mahapatra, Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida, and other dignitaries. The programme was compered by Dr Mrutyunjaya Rath and Nazia Alam, with coordination support from Dr Sangita Gosain.

Day 2 of 15th International Sand Art Festival
The second day of the 15th International Sand Art Festival 2025, organised by the Odisha Tourism Department at Chandrabhaga Beach, showcased breathtaking sand sculptures centred on themes of eco-tourism and wildlife (men’s category) and environment and climate change (women’s category).

Sand artists from across India and abroad transformed the vast stretch of Chandrabhaga into an open-air gallery. The sweeping shoreline and endless waves provided the perfect backdrop to intricate sculptures addressing global ecological concerns.

Also Read: Konark Festival 2025 Begins Today: What You Can Expect

This year, around 140 Indian artists are participating -- 95 men and 40 women -- along with five international artists from Spain, Russia, Japan, Portugal and Sri Lanka.