37th Konark Festival 2026 is coming up to showcase the plethora of India’s rich cultural heritage. One of India’s most prominent cultural events, the Konark festival is expected to assemble well-known classical performers, musicians, artists, and cultural aficionados from all across the nation and beyond. The event highlights Odisha’s rich cultural legacy while showcasing the enduring splendor of Indian classical dance and music against the stunning backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Konark Sun Temple.
The festival began in the year 1986 and it has evolved into one of the country’s most culturally significant event. It attracts thousands of spectators annually from all corners of the world. The festival is not just a celebration but it also serves a platform to represent and remind us of our roots through dance, music and art. It is a festival that celebrates dance, music and art in a venue where every stone has a story to tell. Konark festival is one of the reasons why the cultural heritage of Odisha is alive and blossoming.
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About Konark Festival: An Overview
The Konark Festival has been held in the poetic sands of Konark, since the last 32 years unabated, when it commenced in 1986. Within the dates of 1st to 5th December every year, Konark experiences a surge of tourists and art enthusiasts alike, to envision the biggest and the grandest of dance festivals in the state. Held in the open air auditorium which overlooks the much acclaimed Sun temple of Konark, the festival enthralls and bewitches the people who visit from far and wide.
Apart from being the one of the greatest tourist events of the state, the festival serves as a platform for classical dancers in India to showcase India’s cultural depth. The leading exponents and dance enthusiasts of almost all main classical dance forms of India-including Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, Kathaka, Kuchipudi and Sattriya take part in the five-day classical dance carnival much adding to the appeal of the event
Complementing the dance and music in the air, a Crafts Mela is held at the Urban Haat, Konark during the festival that displays and sells beautiful sculptures and souvenirs made by the expert craftsmen of the region. The International Sand Art Festival, organized at Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark during the same days, brings all elements of Odisha’s cultural heritage live at one place.
Konark Festival 2026: Guidelines and Details
Similar to every year, this year also Konark festival will be held from 1st to 5th December, 2026. The festival will continue for 5 days highlighting the cultural diversity of the region. The following are the listed guidelines for participation in the Konark Festival:
- The artistes/ groups/ institution/ organisation should have great reputation nationally and internationally and are active in their respective field of classical dance.
- The artistes/ groups/ institution/ organisation should not have performed at Konark Festival during the last three years.
- The organisation/ institution should be registered at least three years back from the date of submission of the application.
- Minimum 10 years performance experience in classical dance format in the reputed national and international level festival (Proof to be attached).
- Video link of the complete group performance, comprising both Pure Dance, Abhinaya and Group Production performed in last two years should be submitted with the application form.
- State and National Awardees will be given preference.
- Performance at Konark Festival will be with live music.
- Performances in Konark Festival will be within traditional format and attire.
- Minimum 7-10 dancers should be in each performing group.
- Minimum of 6 musicians and a maximum of 10 accompanying musicians shall be permitted on stage for each performing group.
- The Department of Tourism reserves the right to accept or reject any applications, modify the selection criteria at any stage without any reason thereof.
- The decision of the Selection Committee/ Department of Tourism shall be final and binding on all applicants.
- Last date for submission of application is 15th July 2026.
Konark Festival 2026: Application Form
The application process for the participating in the festival is going on and the last date of application is 15 July, 2026. Participants can CLICK HERE for online application form.
International Sand Art Festival 2026:
It’s the place where stories get made; where the formless sand, molds into shapes hitherto unimaginable. It is the Chandrabhaga International Sand art festival. Here the immense beach is a canvas and an artist’s deft is the palette.
The Sand festival celebrates sand sculptures produced by skillful sand artists. Not just the traditional sand sculptures, you may expect sand, stone, bronze or wood, created by skillful sand artists. The International Sand Artist Festival celebrates the spectacular displays of sand artists from India and from other many countries. As many as 30 Indian and 10 foreign artists participate in this Competition-turned-Festival. Best sand artists from Mexico, Spain, Singapore, France, Norway, Germany, Netherland & USA and remaining 20 artists are from different states of India usually grace the golden beach of Chandrabhaga.
The International Sand Art Festival was started in 2015 on the Chandrabhaga beach, a short distance from Konark. It was a part of the Konark Dance Festival that is organized during the same time. Every year, the theme for the artists hover around the burgeoning issues of the Earth.
What is the Konark Festival?
The Konark Festival is an annual cultural event held in Odisha that celebrates India’s rich heritage of classical dance and music against the backdrop of the historic Konark Sun Temple.
When will the 37th Konark Festival 2026 be held?
The 37th Konark Festival is expected to take place from 1 December to 5 December 2026, featuring five days of cultural performances and artistic showcases.
Where is the Konark Festival organized?
The festival is organized at the open-air auditorium near the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.
Why is the Konark Sun Temple famous?
The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning 13th-century architecture, intricate stone carvings, and unique design resembling a giant chariot dedicated to the Sun God.
Which classical dance forms are performed at the festival?
The festival typically features Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and other traditional dance forms from different parts of India.
How can visitors reach Konark?
Visitors can reach Konark by air through Biju Patnaik International Airport, by rail via Bhubaneswar or Puri railway stations, or by road from major cities in Odisha.
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