Odisha Channel Bureau
Bhubaneswar: All out efforts are being taken up by Odisha Tourism Department for smooth management of the annual Konark Festival and the International Sand Art Festival to attract more tourists. The Konark Festival and the International Sand Art Festival, the two most coveted events of Tourism Department, are going to be held simultaneously at Konark from December 1 to 5.A meeting to discuss about the preparations for the event was organised by the Tourism Department at Konark on Friday.
The Konark Festival will be held in Open Air auditorium with famous Sun Temple at the backdrop with five renowned Odissi troupes along with famous artists of Manipuri, Sattriya, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam and Kathak.Similarly, the International Sand Art Festival shall have 35 stalls with reputed national and international artists.Women sand artists and differently abled sand artists shall also participate in the festival coordinated by Sudarsan Pattnaik.Awards and trophies shall be given to the winners.
OTDC shall sponsor free stays in Panthanivas for the winners. Emphasis would be given for maintenance of law and order, safety and security of VIPs, foreign tourists, traffic management and parking of vehicles etc.A handicraft and handloom exhibition will also be held in the Urban Haat, Konark during the twin festival.Cleaning of Chandrabhaga Beach and the NAC area shall be ensured by NAC, Konark and Tourism Department.
ASI has been advised for proper illumination of Sun Temple.Drinking water supply, First Aid stall, Trained Guides etc.shall be provided to facilitate the visitors.Since both the events are of international importance and unique in nature, the Department of Tourism is giving emphasis for its hassle free management and taking sincere efforts to attract more and more tourists and art lovers through media campaign and tour packages through OTDC, according to officials.
