The 36th Konark Festival 2025, organised under the auspices of the Odisha Tourism Department in collaboration with the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), concluded on a high note with a mesmerising closing ceremony at Konark.
The event, which also marked the end of the 15th International Sand Art Festival 2025, was graced by Odisha’s Honourable Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati as the chief guest. Joining him were the First Lady of Odisha, Smt. Jayashree Kambhampati; Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida, and Rajasthan’s Power Minister Shri Heeralal Nagar.
The final evening’s program kicked off with a captivating Odissi dance performance by renowned artist Smt. Arati Kar and her troupe from the Utkal Dance and Research Academy. Their first presentation, “Tripathaga,” evoked the sacred Ganga River, symbolising its flow through three realms and its power to grant liberation from the cycle of life and death. Choreographed by Guru Shri Ramesh Chandra Jena and Guru Smt. Arati Kar, with music composition by Guru Shri Umesh Chandra Das and rhythm by Guru Shri Dhaneswar Swain, the piece highlighted the river’s spiritual significance as a lifeline for Indians.
Following this, the troupe presented “Niyati” (Destiny), exploring how fate plays a pivotal role in life, assuring that what is meant to be will prevail despite obstacles. Even divine avatars endure trials as per destiny. Choreographed by Guru Smt. Arati Kar and Guru Shri Yudhisthir Nayak, with music by Guru Shri Umesh Chandra Das and rhythm by Guru Shri Dhaneswar Swain, the performance left the audience spellbound.
The second segment featured an enthralling Kathak dance by Smt. Sanjukta Sinha and her Sanjukta Sinha Dance Company. Their production, “Adi Anant,” delved into the divine energies of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, embodying the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution through rhythm, movement, and emotion. It transitioned from stillness to ecstasy, austerity to bliss, honouring Kathak’s versatility and Shiva’s infinite nature.
This was followed by “Leela,” celebrating Lord Krishna’s divine play where devotion meets abandonment, transcending forms in celestial joy. Together, these pieces wove a spiritual journey, reflecting Kathak’s boundless potential and the timeless essence of dance.
Prior to the ceremony, the Governor visited the International Sand Art Festival, where he interacted with participating artists from India and abroad, exchanging ideas and praising their artistic skills. Notable sand artist Padmashree Sudarsan Pattnaik was also present. The festival’s themes for the final day included “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) for male artists and “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) for female artists. The intricate sand sculptures, blending creativity with nature, captivated visitors and left them mesmerised.
In a symbolic gesture, the dignitaries lit lamps before Lord Jagannath and honoured all performers, sand artists, and troupes. The Governor commended the artists for showcasing India’s rich cultural tapestry. The program was efficiently managed by officials from the Tourism Department, OTDC, and Sangeet Natak Akademi. It was anchored by Dr. Mrutyunjay Rath and Nazia Allam, with assistance from Dr. Sangeeta Gosain.
The five-day festivals not only celebrated Odisha’s classical arts and sand sculpting traditions but also boosted tourism, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe to the iconic Sun Temple backdrop.
