The Konark Dance Festival is going to be held from 19th to 23rd February 2016 in the state of Odisha, India. It brings the best of the classical and traditional dance forms, from different parts of the country.
It also offers insights into the affluent culture and heritage of India. Maestros and dance enthusiasts from almost every style of Indian classical dance forms, including Chhau, Kathakali, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, Bharatnatyam and Odissi, are going to participate in this 5-day carnival. If you are planning to visit India in February and want to know about the culture and different dance forms, attending this festival is a must.
Overview
Konark Dance & Music Festival was started by Padmashree Guru Gangadhar Pradhan in 1986. It can appropriately be billed as the forerunner of the contemporary cultural festivals in Odisha. The main objective of this annual festival is to bring various artists together on a platform and to create a spirit of international cultural brotherhood and amity. The dance forms are presented on the spectacular stage of the Natyashala in the iconic Sun Temple of Konark.
Tickets
There are different categories of tickets available on their website, including VIP Gold Class + hotel stay for couples and for one person, VIP Gold Class for couples as well as for one person, and gold class tickets for couples and for one person. From every ticket, 90% of the proceeds will go to the “Children of Hope”, an initiative to empower the underprivileged children. The remaining 10 % will be received by the organisation.
Highlights
The festival includes a fun filled Crafts Mela (fair) which will add to the charm. The mela will feature some of the best souvenirs, sculptures and handicrafts by highly skilled artists and craftsmen. The products will be for both display and sale. The festival will also feature world renowned personalities from the streams of Indian classical song, dance and theatre. In the past, some of the world renowned names that have been a part of the festival include Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Dr. Vaijayantimala Bali among others.
