Konark: The second day of the 35th Konark Festival 2024 unfolded with a magnificent display of Indian classical dance forms, featuring Manipuri and Odissi performances against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sun Temple.
The evening began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Rabi Narayan Naik, Minister of Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, Parmeshwar Funkwal General Manager, East Coast Railway and Balamukunda Bhuyan, Special Secretary, Tourism setting the stage for a memorable showcase of India’s classical traditions.
The first performance was presented by Guru Smt. Priti Patel and group from Anjika – Center for Manipuri Dance, Kolkata. Their recital, Nachom Lei, captured the essence of Manipuri dance, weaving legends, nature, and emotions into a visual poetry of devotion, love, and bravery. The group’s expressive movements and aesthetic choreography enchanted the audience.
The second segment showcased Guru Smt. Aloka Kanungo and her group from Shinjan Nrityalaya, Kolkata, performing Odissi dance recitals on Bande Mataram, Tara Pallavi, and Soorya Labanyam. Combining intricate footwork with graceful movements, the troupe highlighted the lyrical and emotive depth of Odissi. Guru Aloka Kanungo’s expertise, rooted in tradition yet enriched with contemporary sensibilities, left the audience in awe.
Choreographed by Guru Kanungo, the dance recitals had music by Himansu Swain, Smt. Susri Sangeeta Panda and Laxmikanta Palit while the rhythm was set by Guru Dhaneswar Swain.This celebration of art and heritage continues to draw tourists and art connoisseurs from across the globe.
At the same time, throughout the day, the Chandrabhaga Beach hosted the 14th International Sand Art Festival. The theme for day 2 of the event was Eco-Tourism and Environment.More than 120 artists from Odisha and other Indian states along with artists from eight other countries created spellbinding sand sculptures, transforming the beach into a vibrant tableau of creativity and environmental consciousness.
The evening’s events were graced by prominent dignitaries, including Hon’ble Judge of Supreme Court Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Hon’ble Chief Justice High Court Odisha Justice Chakradhari Saran Singh and Commissioner-cum-Secretary Tourism Balwant Singh among other Government of Odisha officials.
