When winter arrives in Odisha and the salty breeze from the Bay of Bengal starts to soften, I find myself eagerly counting down to one special event — Konark Dance Festival 2025. As someone who lives just an hour away in Puri, this festival is not just another tourist attraction for me; it’s an annual ritual, a cultural homecoming, and a reminder of how beautifully Odisha blends spirituality, heritage, and performing arts.
This blog is written to help you experience the festival the way a true insider does — with practical tips, emotional depth, and genuine insights backed by official program details. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly why, when, and how to plan your Konark trip, and why 2025 is expected to be one of the most spectacular editions yet.Table of Contents
A Festival Where Stone Meets Rhythm
Every December, the awe-inspiring Konark Sun Temple — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — transforms into a grand open-air cultural theatre. Dating back to the 13th century, the temple itself is shaped like a massive chariot of Surya (the Sun God), complete with intricate sculptures that depict dancers in motion.
But what makes the Konark Dance Festival truly magical is how:
- Living dancers mirror the stone dancers carved on the temple walls.
- The ancient architecture becomes a backdrop for India’s finest performing arts.
- Artists across the country use the stage to pay tribute to India’s classical dance heritage.
Since its inception in 1989, the festival has celebrated India’s cultural diversity by showcasing:
- Odissi (native to Odisha)
- Bharatanatyam
- Kathak
- Kuchipudi
- Manipuri
- Kathakali
- Classical fusion styles
Konark Dance Festival 2025 — Dates & Venue
Festival Overview
- Dates: December 1 to 5, 2025
- Venue: Open-Air Auditorium, Konark Sun Temple Complex
- Timings: 6:00 PM onward (every day)
Complete Day-Wise Schedule for Konark Dance Festival 2025
Day 1 – December 1: Odissi & Bharatanatyam Opening Night
An opening that blends grace with precision.
- Odissi: Sonali Mohapatra & Group (Nrutya Upasana Pitha, Bhubaneswar)
- Bharatanatyam: Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant & Group (Shankarananda Kalakshetra Ensemble, Hyderabad)
The festival begins with fluid Odissi movements and fiery Bharatanatyam expressions — a powerful contrast.
Day 2 – December 2: Kuchipudi & Contemporary Odissi
Storytelling and innovation at its best.
- Kuchipudi: Vyjayanthi Kashi & Group (Bengaluru)
- Odissi Fusion: Sharmila Biswas & Group (Kolkata)
Expect lively performances with brass-pot balancing and modern interpretations of Odissi.
Day 3 – December 3: Classical Odissi & Dramatic Kathakali
The day mythological stories come alive.
- Odissi: Ratikant Mohapatra & Group (Srjan, Bhubaneswar)
- Kathakali: Kerala Kalamandalam Group
From refined Odissi to the dramatic expressions of Kathakali, this evening is an emotional journey.
Day 4 – December 4: Manipuri & Graceful Kathak
Two classical styles that celebrate rhythm and devotion.
- Manipuri: Bimbavati Devi & Group
- Kathak: Sanjukta Sinha & Group
Expect soft, devotional Manipuri sequences followed by high-energy Kathak spins.
Day 5 – December 5: Odissi Grande Finale
A breathtaking finish filled with Odissi excellence.
- Odissi: Arati Kar & Group
- Odissi: Bharat Charan Giri & Group
International Sand Art Festival 2025 - Konark’s Creative Twin Event
- International sand sculptors
- Giant installations
- Ocean-themed artworks
- Cultural displays
- Live demonstrations
Konark Dance Festival- My 2024 Experience
Last year, I attended the festival solo. I still remember reaching Konark just as the golden sunset reflected off the temple stones. The atmosphere felt electric.
I sat on the cool grass, watching Srjan’s Odissi troupe perform. The dancers’ silks shimmered under the moonlit stage, and every mudra felt like a tribute to the temple itself.
During a brief interval, I treated myself to a cup of hot coffee and roasted chana. When Kathakali began, the performers’ dramatic expressions left the audience mesmerized.
I returned home that night feeling culturally recharged, as though the dance, sculpture, and music had infused new energy into my soul.
My 2025 Plan — A Family Trip Filled with Culture & Fun
This year, I’m turning my solo ritual into a family tradition. We’ll leave Puri early, spend the morning at Chandrabhaga Beach, check into OTDC Yatri Nivas, and attend workshops on Odissi and Kathakali.
My friends are already excited about trying the sand art activity area.
We’ll also enjoy local seafood, visit the Sun Temple during the day, and create a memory-filled winter getaway.Essential Travel Tips for Konark Dance Festival 2025
How to Reach Konark
- From Puri: 30 km via Marine Drive Road (45 minutes)
- From Bhubaneswar: 65 km via NH-203 (1.5 hours)
- Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
Where to Stay
- OTDC Yatri Nivas
- Lotus Eco Resort (beachside)
- Konark Nature Camp
- Budget hotels & homestays near the temple
What to Eat
Try local Odia delicacies like:
- Prawn Malai Curry
- Chhena Poda
- Dalma
- Mudhi-Mansa
- Fresh seafood at beach shacks
Carry Essentials
- Shawl/jacket (nights get chilly)
- Power bank
- Comfortable footwear
- Camera without flash
