Day three of the Konark Festival 2025 commenced with the Lamp Lighting Ceremony in the presence of Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism; Shri Sarat Chandra Behera, A.D.M. Puri and Magar Dhanaji Raoso, DFO Puri Wildlife Division.
Their participation added grace and solemnity to the proceedings, marking the beginning of yet another culturally vibrant evening at the annual festival that continues to celebrate India’s artistic heritage in all its splendour.
The evening’s first set of performances featured the acclaimed Guru Ratikant Mohapatra and a group of Srjan Ensemble, Bhubaneswar, performing Adviteeyam choreographed by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. The rhythm and music composition for the performances were by Pt. Bhubaneswar Mishra, Pt. Raghunath Panigrahi & Shri Agnimitra Behera. In Adviteeyam, it emerges in a world shaped by swift technological change, seeking the modern within the ancient by reviving timeless wisdom rooted in tradition. Inspired by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra’s immortal legacy, it preserves his visionary essence while exploring new creative frontiers in Odissi.
The second half of the cultural showcase featured a captivating Kathakali performance by Kerala Kalamandalam, Kerala. Duryodhana Vadha by Vayaskara Aryan Narayanan Moosad (1841-1902) is a Kathakali play that dramatises pivotal moments from the Mahabharata, tracing the rise of Duryodhana’s arrogance and his ultimate downfall. The play unfolds through the episodes of deceit, humiliation, exile, and vengeance that shape the moral and emotional landscape of the epic.
Earlier in the day, the 15th International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach witnessed sand artists from India and abroad creating visually stunning sculptures on the themes of “Sea Life” for male artists and “Women Empowerment” for female artists. The intricate carvings captured the imagination of visitors and highlighted the immense talent and creativity of participating artists. The sculptures, shaped against the backdrop of the serene coastline, drew admiration from tourists and locals alike.
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The diverse collection of sand artworks showcased the finesse, precision and narrative depth that sand art can convey, leaving an indelible impression on onlookers. The presence of international visitors from London, Spain, Japan and several other countries further underscored the global appeal of the festival. Their enthusiastic participation and appreciation reflected the growing international interest in Odisha’s cultural festivals and the State’s sustained efforts to promote its heritage on a global stage.
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