PHOTOS: Five-day Konark festival begins with Odissi, Kathak traditional dance performances

Five-day long annual Konark Festival, in the backdrop of the Sun Temple and International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga beach, started in Konark on Sunday. The festival began with classical dances like Odissi and Kathak after Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal lightened the lamp. While songs like Vande Suryam and Vande Mataram were played, dance performances including Thal Roopa, Kalia Mardan and Thal Teental were performed during the first day of the event. This year, the theme of the festival is based on eco-tourism, culture, Fairs, women empowerment, and no to plastic and heritage.