Odisha Tourism: Konark Festival, International Sand Art Festival to be held from December 1-5

The 14th edition of International Sand Art Festival will spotlight artists from the United Kingdom, Portugal, Mexico, Russia, Japan, Spain, and Sri Lanka

2 min readNew DelhiNov 27, 2024 03:46 PM IST

Dona Ganguly, wife of former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, and her troupe perform Odissi dance during the Konark festival in Konark. (PTI file/Representational)

The Odisha tourism department will organise the Konark Festival and the International Sand Art Festival from December 1 to 5, the government announced on Wednesday. While the former celebrates the country’s classical dance forms, the latter gives a canvas to global sand artists.

What is the Konark Festival?

This will be the 35th edition of the five-day Konark Festival and will feature Indian and US proponents of dance forms such as Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam. The festival’s open-air stage with its soft golden lights, set against the backdrop of the 13th century Unesco World Heritage Site — Sun Temple in Konark — will feature classic tales of devotion, love, and mythology.

What happens at International Sand Art Festival?

At the nearby Sun Temple, the Chandrabhaga Beach will see global sand artists participate in the International Sand Art Festival. Visitors will get an opportunity to gaze at these sand sculptures and even try their hand at making one themselves. The 14th edition of the event will spotlight artists from the United Kingdom, Portugal, Mexico, Russia, Japan, Spain, and Sri Lanka, among others. Indian practitioners from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh will join them to shape their creativity in sand. Local artists will also show their skills along with global masters in etching themes rooted in culture, environment, and the society.

Which months are best for travelling to Odisha?

The state will also showcase its brand of sustainable tourism, welcoming tourists to visit Odisha’s long coastline and marine biodiversity. The winter months, from November to February, may be ideal for visiting the state due to the temperature that suits outdoor activities.

How to book tour packages for visiting Odisha?

Odisha Tourism has also set up well-connected transport and both luxury and budget-friendly accommodations. For booking tour packages and accommodations, visit http://www.bookodisha.com

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