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Konark Dance Festival and the International Sand Art Festival
Odissi after dark against the stone chariot of the sun
The Konark Festival is five evenings of Indian classical dance on an open-air stage beside the 13th-century Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha, held every year in early December. At the same time the International Sand Art Festival fills Chandrabhaga beach nearby. Next edition: 1–5 December 2026.
Odisha Tourism confirms the dates on its festival page, usually in November.
The legend
The festival is held by Konark's 13th-century Sun Temple, whose dance hall walls carry musicians and dancers in Odissi poses.
Since 1986 it has been run by Odisha Tourism and the Odissi Research Centre, usually from 1 to 5 December.
In 2015 the International Sand Art Festival was added on Chandrabhaga beach.
Customs
Evenings of dance
Each evening leading dancers from across India perform Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri and Chhau on the open-air stage by the temple.
Sand sculptures
By day on Chandrabhaga beach sculptors from India and abroad shape sand works on themes facing the Earth.
Where to celebrate
Konark
Five December evenings of classical dance on an open-air stage facing the Sun Temple, while the International Sand Art Festival fills Chandrabhaga beach nearby.
The evenings of dance
Performances take place on the open-air auditorium next to the Sun Temple, with the illuminated temple as the backdrop; Odisha Tourism gives the hours as 6 to 8:30 pm and entry as approximately ₹100 per person. Each evening brings leading dancers from across India. Odissi, Odisha's own classical dance, is at the heart of the programme, and Odisha Tourism lists Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam and Manipuri among the other forms; Chhau has also been part of past programmes.
The setting is the reason for the festival. The walls of the temple's dance hall are carved with musicians and dancers in Odissi poses. The Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ASI monument with its own ticket at the gate, separate from the festival.
The International Sand Art Festival
The sand festival was added in 2015 and runs alongside the dance evenings on Chandrabhaga beach, a few kilometres from the temple on the Puri road. Sculptors from India and abroad, around 30 Indian and 10 foreign artists in a typical year according to Wikipedia, work on the beach through the day on themes facing the planet, from climate change to peace. Visitors can walk between the works and watch the artists sculpting. Entry to the beach festival is free. A practical way to combine the two is an afternoon on the sand and the evening at the temple stage.
A short history
The festival grew out of an idea of the Odissi guru Gangadhar Pradhan and has been organised since 1986 by Odisha Tourism together with the Odissi Research Centre. The dates follow the ordinary calendar rather than the moon, usually five evenings in early December, though some recent editions have shifted, so the department's festival page, usually updated in November, is the place to confirm.
Plan your visit
December is high season on the Odisha coast, and Konark itself has few rooms.
- Stay in Puri
Most visitors stay in Puri, 35 km away, and drive over for the evening. Book about a month ahead.
- Book transport early
Trains to Puri and flights to Bhubaneswar need the same lead time as rooms.
- Arrive in the afternoon
Come in the afternoon of the day you want to attend: the sand festival by day, the temple, then the evening performance.
- One or two nights
One night is the minimum; two let you see two evenings with different dance styles.
- Evenings are outdoors
The festival is held under the open sky; FCDO advises keeping an eye on belongings in crowds.
FAQ
When is the Konark Dance Festival?
Next: 1–5 December 2026. It is held every year over five evenings in early December; Odisha Tourism confirms the programme, usually in November.
When and where is the Sand Art Festival in Odisha?
The International Sand Art Festival is held on Chandrabhaga beach near Konark at the same time as the Konark Festival: 1–5 December 2026. Entry is free.
Which state celebrates the Konark Festival?
Odisha. It is organised by Odisha Tourism at Konark, in Puri district on the Bay of Bengal.
What is the famous dance of Odisha?
Odissi, one of India's classical dance forms. It is the centrepiece of the Konark Festival, and its poses are carved on the walls of the Sun Temple.
Where should I stay for the festival?
In Puri, 35 km away, where most visitors stay; Konark has few rooms. Book about a month ahead, as December is high season.
Do I need a Sun Temple ticket to see the dance?
No. The Sun Temple is an ASI monument with its own ticket at the gate, separate from the festival; Odisha Tourism lists festival entry at approximately ₹100 per person.
Sources (5)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.