Konark (Odisha): Five-day long annual Konark Festival, in the backdrop of the Sun Temple and International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga beach, started in Konark on Sunday.
The festival began with classical dances like Odissi and Kathak after Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal lighted the lamp.
Tourists got mesmerised by the unique Odisha group performance by the Srijan group followed by the Kathak group from Pune led by Guru Sham Bhate.
While songs like Vande Suryam and Vande Mataram were played, dance performances including Thal Roopa, Kalia Mardan and Thal Teental were performed during the first day of the event.
This year, the theme of the festival is based on eco-tourism, culture, Fairs, women empowerment and no to plastic and heritage.
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Around 123 artists from across India and artists from USA, Ireland, Denmark, Russia, Canada, Togo and Sri Lanka are participating in the Sand Art Festival. Famous Odisha sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik is the brand ambassador of the event.
"Speaking to ETV Bharat, one of the tourists said, "It's my first visit to India. Everything is brand new and very different culture then I am used to. Everything is being done on a grand scale."
"It's a prestigious moment for us. Nothing could be greater this moment as various different cultures are coming together. I really appreciate the people of Odisha for the hospitality," a visitor from Mumbai told ETV Bharat.
It is to be noted that the festival aims to create international cultural amity and brotherhood amid the environment magnified by the spiritual and aesthetic flavour.
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