Konark Festival 2025 Showcases Odissi, Kathakali and Global Sand Art on Day Three

Konark: The third evening of the Konark Festival 2025 unfolded with vibrant cultural splendour as dignitaries and artists came together to celebrate India’s classical heritage. The Lamp Lighting Ceremony, graced by Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, Additional District Magistrate of Puri Sarat Chandra Behera, and Magar Dhanaji Raoso, DFO, Puri Wildlife Division, set the tone for an evening steeped in tradition and artistic brilliance.

The cultural presentations opened with a spellbinding Odissi performance by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra and the Srjan Ensemble, Bhubaneswar. They presented Adviteeyam, choreographed by Guru Mohapatra. With rhythm and music composed by Pt. Bhubaneswar Mishra, Pt. Raghunath Panigrahi and Agnimitra Behera, the production explored the interplay of tradition and innovation. Drawing inspiration from the immortal legacy of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Adviteeyam sought to rediscover the contemporary within the classical, emphasising timeless wisdom in a rapidly evolving world.

The second half of the evening featured a powerful Kathakali presentation by Kerala Kalamandalam. The troupe performed Duryodhana Vadha by Vayaskara Aryan Narayanan Moosad (1841–1902), a dramatic retelling of key episodes from the Mahabharata. The performance traced Duryodhana’s journey from pride and deceit to his tragic downfall, bringing alive the emotional intensity and moral depth of the epic through expressive dance, elaborate costumes and evocative storytelling.

Earlier in the day, the 15th International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach witnessed artists from India and overseas shaping intricate sculptures against the scenic coastline. Male artists worked on the theme of “Sea Life,” crafting marine-inspired artworks, while female artists showcased compelling interpretations of “Women Empowerment.”

Visitors admired the creativity, finesse and narrative precision displayed in each sculpture. Participation from international artists from London, Spain, Japan and other countries added a global dimension to the festival, highlighting Odisha’s growing prominence as a cultural destination.

With its blend of classical performances, artistic innovation and international participation, Day Three of the Konark Festival 2025 reinforced Odisha’s commitment to celebrating and promoting its rich cultural heritage on the world stage.