The 36th edition of the renowned Konark Festival concluded on a high note on Friday, December 7, 2025. The grand finale featured mesmerising classical dance performances set against the iconic backdrop of the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha. The evening also saw the culmination of the 15th International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach, with artists receiving recognition for their creative endeavours.
A Grand Finale of Classical Dance
The closing ceremony was inaugurated by Mizoram Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr Jayashree Kambhampati. They were joined by Odisha Tourism Minister Pravati Parida and Tourism Secretary Balwant Singh. The cultural segment commenced with a performance by Arati Kar and her troupe from the Utkal Dance and Research Academy.
The group presented two Odissi pieces: Tri Pathaga, which artistically depicted the sacred flow of the river Ganga, and Niyati, a composition exploring the concept of destiny. These choreographies were the creative works of renowned Gurus Ramesh Chandra Jena, Arati Kar, and Yudhisthir Nayak.
Kathak Enthrals the Audience
The second part of the evening was dedicated to the elegant movements of Kathak. Kathak exponent Sanjukta Sinha and her group from Ahmedabad took the stage, captivating the audience with two presentations. Their first piece, Adi Anant, delved into the divine energies of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna. This was followed by Leela, a performance built around the playful and enchanting spirit of Krishna.
Sand Art Festival Awards Announced
Parallel to the dance festival, the 15th International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach also wrapped up on Friday. Artists who had worked on their creations over the preceding five days were honoured. The theme for the final day's competition was 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' for male artists and 'Viksit Bharat' for female artists.
The prestigious Konark Sand Art Awards were announced across three distinct categories, recognising exceptional talent:
- National Category (Other than Odisha): The awardees were Panchanan Mondal, R. Samuel Selva Durai, Valluvan D., and Gubendhiran K. from Puducherry.
- State Female Category: Awards were presented to Prity Ghosh, Sarswati Angriya, Nibedita Mishra, Diptimayee Pradhan, and Barsarani Ojha.
- State Male Category: Winners included Santosh Kumar Nayak, Pramod Biswal, Maheswar Sahu, and Rakesh Sanna.
A Celebration of Art and Culture
The successful conclusion of the 36th Konark Festival underscores Odisha's position as a pivotal hub for India's classical arts and cultural tourism. The event seamlessly blended the architectural grandeur of the Sun Temple with the dynamic expressions of Odissi, Kathak, and the transient beauty of sand sculpture. It served as a powerful platform for both established and emerging artists, celebrating India's rich heritage while inspiring future generations.
