Konark: The 39th edition of the Konark Dance and Music Festival was inaugurated at the Konark Arkavihar Natya Mandap, envisioned by the late Padma Shri Guru Gangadhar Pradhan.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Jagatsinghpur MP Dr. Bibhu Prasad Tarai, former MP Prasanna Patasani, Konark NAC Chairperson Sanyukta Tripathi, Natya Mandap Secretary Shivashish Pradhan, and Guru Gangadhar Pradhan’s spiritual successor. The event began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp before the idol of Lord Jagannath.
The festival commenced with the resonating sounds of bells, mardala, and conch shells as the divine command of Baba Balunkeshwar Mahadev was sought on stage. This was followed by a mesmerizing performance of Panchadeva Stuti by artists from Natya Mandap and Nrityalaya Dance Academy, leaving the audience spellbound.
In the second phase, artists from Sankalpa Nrityayan of Kolkata presented a captivating Odissi dance performance. The event concluded with an enthralling Gotipua dance presentation by Dashabhuja Gotipua Odissi Dance Parishad from Ghurajpur.
Alongside this, the 25th Konark Literary Festival was also held, featuring poets and writers from various parts of Odisha who recited their original compositions.
The 39th Konark Dance and Music Festival was coordinated by Arpita Sen and Niranjan Palta, with full support from the Natya Mandap organizers and staff.