From 01-05 December, 2020 Odisha government’s tourism department has organised the 9th edition of International Sand Art festival at Chandrabhaga Beach in Odisha’s Puri district and parallely the 31st edition of Konark dance festival following the COVID-19 protocols.
About International Sand Art Festival:
The sand art festival displays spectacular sand arts sculpted by skillful artists from India and around the world.
World recognised sand artists from Mexico, Spain, Singapore, France, Norway, Germany, Netherland and USA have participated over the years.
Conducted at the golden beach of Chandrabhaga, Odisha.
Highlights of 2020 Festival:
- Theme of 2020 event- “environment” and “COVID-19”.
- India’s renowned sand artist and Padma Shri Awardee, Sudarsan Pattnaik, is the Brand Ambassador and Chief Curator of the event.
- 70 artists from across India, have participated to showcase their talent.
- Considering COVID-19, this year saw no participation from the international artists.
About Konark Dance Festival:
The five-day long festival is conducted every year from December 1-5.
Aim- To promote the diverse Indian Dance heritage of the country as well as to popularise the Konark Sun Temple.
Dances- Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Sattriya Organised at the Konark Natya Mandap, Sun Temple.
Jointly organised by the Odisha Tourism department and Odissi Research Center.
About Konark Sun Temple:
The 13th century Sun Temple at Konark is dedicated to Hindu sun god “Surya”.The temple is attributed to King Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
Recent related news:
i.Odisha Launches 1st of its kind scheme, ‘Balaram’ to provide Rs 1,040 crore credit to 7 lakh Landless Farmers
ii.Padma Shri Awardee, Sudarsan Pattnaik has won the People’s Choice Award at a prestigious sand sculpting festival in the U.S.
About Odisha:
Capital- Bhubaneshwar
Chief Minister – Naveen Patnaik
Hirakud Dam built across Mahanadi river is the longest dam in India
