The five-day Konark Dance Festival and the 13th International Sand Art Festival concluded at Konark in Odisha on Tuesday on a high note with visitors including tourists appreciating both festivals.

While the dance festival was organised in an open-air auditorium in the backdrop of the 13th-century Sun Temple, the international sand festival was organised on the Chandrabhaga beach.

During the five-day festival, visitors got to see various forms of Indian classical dance performed by reputed artistes in the open-air auditorium which was jam-packed with an overwhelming response from art lovers. Their enthusiasm makes the Konark Dance Festival special. On the concluding day of the dance festival, Kathak and Odissi dancers mesmerised the audience.

One of the highlights of the festival was the performance of Pallavi Krishnan and Lasya Academy of Mohiniyattam from Kerala. They performed the “Shiva Tantwam and Karuna”. The rhythm and music composition for the performances were done by composer Nedumpally Rammohan in Ragamalika and Talamalika and choreography by Pallavi Krishnan. The performances were based on acclaimed Malayalam poems by Kumaranashan. The poems aim to inspire the reincarnation of individuals like Upagupta who selflessly aid others and the less fortunate, prioritising their well-being over personal luxury and interests.

The spectators also witnessed a great performance of Kuchipudi by Padmashree awardee Jaya Rama Rao.

The festival also featured Odissi performances by Daksha Mashruwala and Kaishiki Dance Academy, New Delhi. The performances of Rojalin Mohapatra and the group of Debadasi, Bhubaneswar, also created a web. They presented Saraswati Vandana and Pallavi, choreographed by Mohapatra. The rhythm and music composition for the performances were by Rama Prasad Behera and Sachikanta Nayak.

People also witnessed Sattriya performances by Guru Anwesha Mahanta and Kalpavriksha Dance Ensemble, Delhi. The troupe performed Jagannath Prakriti Purush and Chali Radani.

On the concluding day, Luna Poddar and her group Prerna Centre of Performing Arts mesmerised the spectators with their scintillating performance.

The international sand art festival witnessed the participation of 114 sand sculptors from India and abroad such as Australia, the Czech Republic, Russia, Belarus, the US and Sri Lanka.