CM Mohan Majhi Iaugurates Konark Festival

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday inaugurated the 35th edition of the Konark Festival, organised by the Odisha Tourism department, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sun Temple in Konark. The festival, a celebration of classical Indian dance, is an annual showcase of India’s rich cultural and dance heritage.

The inaugural evening enthralled the audience with mesmerizing dance performances. The programme began with an Odissi recital by the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Choreographed by Gurus Shri Lingaraj Pradhan and Shri Pankaj Kumar Pradhan, the performance delved into themes of divine power and energy, particularly through 'Bhavranga' and 'Shakti.'

The evening also featured a Kathak performance, Nartan Manjari, by the renowned artist Malti Shyam and her troupe from New Delhi. Their performance, with intricate rhythms and graceful movements, celebrated the eternal bond between the divine and the devotee.

The Konark Festival will feature captivating performances in various classical dance forms, including Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam. These performances, continuing until December 5, will narrate timeless stories of devotion, love, and mythology, further enriching the cultural tapestry of Odisha.