Head Out To Odisha For Eco Camps, Sand Art, And Dance Festivals

Come winter, culture buffs mark their calendars for the Konark Dance Festival and International Sand Art Festival in December. This year, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the state tourism department's flagship events on December 1 in Odisha's Puri district.

"I welcome everyone to this beautiful open-air auditorium on the premises of this 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the Sun Temple acting as the grand backdrop for the stage, together we'll witness the beauty of Odissi and other Indian classical dance performances by several prolific artists from India and across the globe," Patnaik said in a video message. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Tourism Minister Aswini Patra and Home Minister Tusharkanti Behera, who lit the ceremonial lamp.

The five-day programme has been organised by the Tourism Department in association with the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi (OSNA) and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC). The inaugural show witnessed Odissi performance by Soor Mandir, Jyotsnarani Sahoo & Group of Cuttack.

Konark Dance Festival

The 13th century Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and part of a larger complex, with the main temple shaped like Surya's (the sun god's) chariot. The complex also includes the natyamandir (an amphitheatre designed to showcase dance performances). Every year, the Konark Dance Festival is held against this breathtaking backdrop. The five-day festival, now in its 34th year, is one of the country's oldest dance festivals, showcasing dance forms such as Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Sattriya. The festival is held from December 1 to 5.

More details here.

International Sand Art Festival

The 13th edition of Odisha's famous sand art festival is taking place on Chandrabhaga Beach. The world-renowned festival will see beautiful forms being fashioned out of soft golden sands by 114 renowned artists from India and countries like Australia, Czech Republic, Russia, Belarus, USA, and Sri Lanka. Sudarsan Pattnaik, a well-known sand artist who has received the Padma Shree for his outstanding work, has long served as the event's brand ambassador. The first edition of the festival took place in 2015, as part of the Konark Dance Festival.

More details here.

Eco Retreat Camps

In addition to these cultural extravaganzas, Odisha Tourism's annual flagship camping event, Eco Retreat, was also launched. The 5th edition was virtually inaugurated by the Chief Minister with three additional locations, including Konark, Sonapur, and Bhitarkanika. Set to commence on December 1, this year's Eco Retreat will unfold across seven picturesque locations of Konark, Putsil, Sonapur, Daringbadi, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, and Hirakud. It promises a blend of luxury, adventure, local culture, and gastronomic delights. Tourists can book their stay at the venues, which will feature luxury tents for an unforgettable glamping experience.