Since 1989, this dance festival has been organised in the state jointly by Orrisa Tourism and Odissi Research Centre to promote the diverse Indian dance heritage as well as the popularity of the Sun Temple, Konark and Orissa as a tourist destination. This year the festival was held from February 19-23. Musicians playing the drums, cymbals and other musical instruments adorn the sculptures in Odissi dance poses. Many celebrated dancers from all across India perform at this venue. The festival is a celebration of the much appreciated dance forms- Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Odissi, Kathak and Chau dance.
Over the years, the dance academy of Guru Gangadhar Pradhan has been involved in this dance festival to celebrate the honour of the Sun Temple in Konark. Apart from witnessing the fascinating dance forms, visitors also have the option of visiting the crafts mela which showcases various handicrafts items and different cuisine options.
‘Konarka’, the place bears a name composed of two world elements : Kona meaning corner and arka meaning the sun. The Sun god worshiped in Ark Kshetra is also called Konark. In ‘Brahma Purana’ the Sun God in Ark-kshetra has been described as Konaditya. The place where the Kona aditya (or Kona-arka, the Sun god) was worshipped was also popularly called Konark. It is described in Purusottam Mahatmya that Lord Vishnu after killing the demon Gayasur, to commemorate the glory of his victory, placed his Sankha (cronch) in Puri, Chakra (disc) in Bhubaneswar, Gada (mace) in Jajapur and Padma (lotus) in Konark and they were later known as Sankha Kshetra, Chakra Kshetra, Gada Kshetra and Padma Kshetra respectively. This corner on the east sea coast houses the ruins of a temple, exquisitely built to resemble a gigantic chariot with impeccably carved wheels, columns and panels. It stands as a mute reminder of the times when Orissan architecture reached its pinnacle. The Sun Temple built in the 13th century was conceived as a gigantic chariot of Sun God, with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven pairs of horses.
Indian dance forms are inextricably linked to temples. Over the years, there has been a bid to have dances performed in the temple precincts to recreate the ancient charm and glory of these dances. Dance festivals are aimed at hosting dances against the backdrop of ancient temple monuments.
Dance festivals have now become cultural events enthralling audiences with the splendor of different forms of Indian dance and music.
The state has been blessed with a diverse terrain that offers as many as 321 tourist destinations. Orissa Tourism has been working towards showcasing the rich cultural and religious heritage of the state and its people through numerous festivals and fairs such as the Konark Dance Festival, Gotipua Dance Festival, Rajarani Music Festival, Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav, Toshali National Crafts Mela, etc.
