The annual Konark Dance Festival and International Sand Art Festival began in Odisha's Puri district on December 1.

The five-day festival is being hosted by Odisha Tourism in collaboration with Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi (OSNA) and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC).

The opening evening of the Konark Festival celebrated India's rich classical dance traditions.

The event commenced with an Odissi dance recital by Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar, followed by Kathak performance by Malti Shyam and Group, New Delhi.

The Konark Festival is being live streamed across Odisha Tourism’s social media platforms and telecast live on DD Bharati from December 1 to 5.

Simultaneously, the 14th International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach featured 129 celebrated sand artists, including eight international participations from the UK, Mexico, Germany, Japan, Russia, Portugal, Spain, and Sri Lanka.