Konark Dance Festival & International Sand Art Festival in Odisha

The Konark Dance Festival and International Sand Art Festival are twin cultural celebrations held annually in Konark, Puri district, Odisha. The Dance Festival, established in 1986, showcases diverse classical Indian dance forms like Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya by acclaimed artists against the illuminated backdrop of the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple. Running concurrently, the International Sand Art Festival, which began in 2015, transforms Chandrabhaga Beach into an open-air gallery, featuring intricate sand sculptures by Indian and international artists often themed around global issues or Odia heritage. These five-day events attract thousands of art enthusiasts, classical dance connoisseurs, and international tourists, providing a unique insight into Odisha's rich artistic traditions and offering a platform for cultural exchange. A Crafts Mela also takes place, showcasing local handicrafts.