Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated the 36th world-famous Konark Festival, the 15th International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga beach, and the Subhadra Shakti Mela, marking a vibrant start to Odisha’s premier cultural extravaganza against the majestic backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Konark Sun Temple.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister described the Konark Festival as a “shining symbol of Odisha’s cultural identity.” He emphasised that classical dances are not merely art forms but profound mediums to experience spirituality and attain divine connection. This year, apart from Odissi, renowned artists from across India will present Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Manipuri, and Kathak, turning the festival into a national platform for preserving India’s rich classical heritage.
At Chandrabhaga beach, the Chief Minister inaugurated the 15th International Sand Art Festival, where 143 sand artists from various Indian states and countries, including Japan, Spain, Russia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Sri Lanka, are participating. CM Majhi hailed the overwhelming international participation as proof of the festival’s growing global popularity and thanked Brand Ambassador Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik for elevating the event to world-class standards.
The newly introduced Subhadra Shakti Mela, aimed at women empowerment, was also launched by the Chief Minister. Over 200 self-help groups run by women are showcasing more than 200 varieties of handicrafts, handlooms, and organic products across 150 stalls. The CM expressed confidence that the fair will create national and international market linkages for products made by Odisha’s “Mission Shakti” mothers, helping them achieve economic independence and build their own entrepreneurial identity.
Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Prabhati Parida, Puri MLA Shri Sunil Mohanty, and several other dignitaries graced the inaugural ceremony.
The five-day Konark Festival (1–5 December 2025) promises mesmerising classical dance performances in the open-air auditorium with the illuminated Sun Temple as the backdrop, breathtaking sand sculptures at Chandrabhaga, and a vibrant showcase of women-led enterprises.
