Held
over a period of five years, the Konark
dance festival is an endeavor of Orissa
Tourism and Odissi Research Center to
provide a platform for classical dancers
in India, as well as, showcase the various
dance forms prevalent in India with
style and flavor, reflect the cultural
riches and heritage of India and keep
it alive and kicking. The majestic and
picturesque Sun Temple provides its
historical backdrop, where the dance
performances take place at Natya Mandir
within the temple.
The Konark Dance Festival can also be
seen as a befitting tribute to the archaic
and architectural grandeur of the famous
Sun temple at Konark.
Also
known as Boita-Bandana festival, Bali yatra
witnesses people gathering near river banks
or sea shores to float miniature boats (boita)
as a symbolic gesture that they will leave
for faraway islands of Bali, Java, Sumatra,
Borneo and Ceylon (Srilanka) to which their
ancestors once sailed.
Celebrated in October-November for five consecutive
days before the full moon to memorize the
maritime legacy of Orissa, Bali yatra also
marks the culmination of all religious festivities
held during the month of Karthik.
