“The purpose of Konark Festival is to showcase Odissi as well as other Indian Classical Dance forms on one majestic platform with the Black Pagoda in the background” opined Dr. Sangita Gosain, Chief Executive of Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre (GKCMORC).
In a conversation with OdishaLIVE on the sidelines of the Konark Festival 2017 organised by Odisha Tourism she mentioned “People feel a positive vibe here at Konark and it seems the whole sculptures are alive and dancing with them. Many people must be knowing that these sculptures are a witness to our rich culture and heritage of dance and music, so the sculptures come alive when we show various dance performances on stage”.
Being an organising member, she has been through the journey for a long time.
She informed “There are numerous cultural festivals around the world but Konark Festival is one of the biggest and most wonderful of all. We feature dance dramas in the festival. Started in 1989 as Konark Dance Festival, we organised it in different months for three days.”
“Gradually it became Konark Festival and now the dates are fixed for five days from 1-5 December every year.” She added.
Dr. Gosain goes on to inform that the Konark Festival is a big success and a huge hit with the visitors. “Dancers dream of performing at Konark Festival” she signs off.
