The Konark Dance Festival (କୋଣାର୍କ ନୃତ୍ୟ ମହୋତ୍ସବ), also called the Konark Festival, is a five-day festival of Indian classical dance held every December at an open-air auditorium beside the Sun Temple at Konark in Puri district, Odisha. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, it brings leading dancers and troupes in Odissi and other classical styles to perform with the 13th-century temple as their backdrop.
What is the Konark Dance Festival?
The festival is one of the main cultural events in Odisha's tourism calendar. Odisha Tourism describes it as a platform for classical dancers to show the depth of India's cultural heritage, and lists it as held from 1 to 5 December each year. Performances take place in the evenings at the open-air auditorium facing the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dance forms
Although Odissi, Odisha's own classical dance, has a central place, the festival is national in scope. Odisha Tourism lists performances of:
- Odissi
- Bharatanatyam
- Kuchipudi
- Kathak
- Kathakali
- Manipuri
- Sattriya
Individual soloists and established dance institutions from across India take part, along with emerging artists.
History
Sources differ on when the festival began. Odisha Tourism's general page on the festival dates it to 1986, while its 2025 event page says it was established in 1989; Wikipedia gives 1986. Odiapedia has not been able to resolve the difference. The December 2025 edition was described by OdishaTV as the 36th Konark Dance Festival. Wikipedia also credits the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre as a co-organiser in the past; for the guru himself, see Kelucharan Mohapatra.
What to expect at the festival
Each evening of the festival presents a sequence of performances by different soloists and troupes, usually mixing Odissi with dance forms from other parts of India. For the 2025 edition, Odisha Tourism's event page listed evening performances between about 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm; timings are set afresh each year, so check the current programme. The setting is a large part of the appeal, as the stage faces the Sun Temple.
The festival also serves as a showcase for younger dancers. Odisha Tourism's 2025 page describes the festival as giving exposure to both established and emerging classical dancers, and its programme for that year included performances by dance schools and institutions from across India.
Who organises it?
The festival is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha. Odisha Tourism's 2025 event page names the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi as co-organiser, and OdishaTV's report on the 2025 opening mentions the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) as well. The 2025 festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
International Sand Art Festival and crafts mela
The dance festival runs alongside two other events organised in Konark at the same time:
- the International Sand Art Festival on Chandrabhaga beach, near Konark, where sand artists from India and abroad create large sculptures. OdishaTV reported about 140 participating artists in 2025, with artists from countries including Spain, Russia, Japan, Portugal and Sri Lanka.
- a crafts mela at the Urban Haat in Konark, showcasing crafts. For two of Odisha's best-known crafts, see Pattachitra and Pipili appliqué.
Food associated with the festival
The Konark Dance Festival is a performing-arts event and has no festival dish of its own. Food stalls operate at the venue and at the crafts mela.
When is the next Konark Dance Festival?
Odisha Tourism lists the festival as an annual event from 1 to 5 December. Odisha Tourism's website refers to a 37th Konark Festival in 2026, but Odiapedia has not seen a published 2026 programme. Check the Odisha Tourism website for confirmed dates, the performance schedule and any entry arrangements before travelling.
Plan your visit
Konark is on the coast of Puri district. For travel details, see Odiapedia's Konark travel guide, the Puri travel guide and best time to visit Odisha. Programme timings change from year to year, so confirm them on the Odisha Tourism website.