India is well known for pampering of art and dance. One such example is the Konark dance festival in Orissa. Every year in the month of December, Orissa Tourism and Odissi Research Centre, organises this dance festival, accompanied by a craft fair and a food festival. It is an aesthetic feast to the dance lovers. Celebrated dancers across the country perform Odissy, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Manipuri etc in the open air auditorium at the Sun temple in Konark.
The Sun Temple in Konark has been designated as a world heritage site. It is an architectural wonder specially for its 'Natamandir' or 'dancing hall'. The artistic designs like musician playing drums, cymbals, odissy dance poses are very intricately sculptured on the wall of the mandir. And it is the venue of the world famous dance festival. The festival takes place in open air in the auditorium.
During the festival the beats of ghungroo, tabla, and rag take the people in a completely different world. These five days festival is a great tribute to the majestic monument. Famous classical dancers around the world get together during these five days festival to give the world their best performances. And during this time the whole Konark dance with them. The place becomes so lively with music, tal, loy and sound that it looks like the court of Lord Indra.
Konark dance festival provides a platform to performing artists of the world and to the upcoming artists ,who are yet to get international recognition. There is also a craft mela and food festival during that time, where variety of handi crafts and tasty cuisines can be enjoyed. This experience of life time is definitely a cocktail of art, craft, music, dance and food.
The first Konark dance festival was organized in 1989 to promote tourism in Orissa. And now it is one of the famous festivals in India.
In 2008 this famous festival is from 1st - 5th December.
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