Bhubaneswar: The five day long Konark Dance Festival is all set to attract the dance loving tourists from all across the world. Like every year, this only one of its kind national dance festival will kick off from December 1 to 5.
Cultural and Tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda said that there would be high footfalls during this five day fest with eminent dancers from all over the country to perform different classical and traditional dance forms. On the first day, Odissi would be performed by Madhavi Mudgal and group from New Delhi while Kuchipudi would be performed by Kishore Musolkanti and Group from Chennai. On December 2, Mohiniattam would be performed by Nina Prasad and Group from Kerela and Odissi by Meera Das and Group from Cuttack. December 3 will have performance of Odissi by Jyotsna Sahoo and group from Cuttack and Bharatnatyam by A Lakshmanaswamy, Nrithyalakshana from Chennai. On December 4, Asim Bandhu Bhattacharjee and Group from Kolkata would perform Kathak and GKCM Odissi Research Centre from Bhubaneswar would perform Odissi. Finally on December 5, Odissi would be performed by ICCR sponsored foreign classical dance group from Indonesia and Pitambar Biswal and group , while MAnipuri would be performed by Priti Patel and group from Kolkata.
Simultaneously, the International Sand Art Festival will be an added attraction for art lovers. There will be 39 stalls with reputed 5 international sand artists from London, Netherlands, Singapore , USA and Russia. Among 62 national sand artists, 15 women and 2 differently abled sand artists would also participate in the festival.
Noted sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik continues to be Brand Ambassador of the International Sand Art Festival. Reward of Rs 50000 to the first prize winner and trophies to the second and third prize winners will be given.
Tourism Department Director Nitin Bhanudas Jawale said that entry passes would be made available under three categories including, Rs 400 for season pass for 5 days, Rs 100 for main gallery per day and Rs 15 for side gallery chair per day.
Four counters would be set up India Tourism, First Aid, Fire Service and Police Control. Sahitya Asara would be organized where eminent poets and writers will participate. In addition, an Artist Camp and Cyclothon will also be organized to mark the occasion in association with OTDC.
Jawale said that an estimated budget Rs 93 lakh for Konark Dance Festival and Rs 54 lakh will be spent for International Sand Art Festival.
