Dec 01 - Dec 05 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM About the Event The Konark Dance Festival is one of India’s most prestigious classic

Konark Festival 2026 is a five-day celebration of Indian classical dance and performing arts, held at the Open-Air Auditorium in Konark against the backdrop of the iconic Konark Sun Temple. The festival is recognised as one of India’s prominent classical dance festivals.

The 2026 edition is scheduled from 1 to 5 December 2026, with performances from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM each evening. The festival brings together leading performers representing diverse Indian classical traditions, including Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam and Manipuri.

The festival creates a distinctive connection between dance, music, architecture and heritage, with performances presented in an open-air setting near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sun Temple. Odissi holds a particularly strong connection with Konark, with the dance form's sculptural movements echoing the temple's celebrated carvings.

Why Attend

• Experience India's leading classical dance traditions in a heritage setting.

• Watch performances by renowned classical dancers and groups.

• Enjoy the illuminated Konark Sun Temple as a dramatic backdrop.

• Experience the connection between Odissi, temple sculpture and Odisha's cultural heritage.

• Combine the festival with the International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach, which runs from 1–5 December.

Current verification: Odisha Tourism's current 2026 festival calendar and Konark Festival page confirm 1–5 December 2026 and the Open-Air Auditorium, Konark as the venue. The current event calendar lists the timing as 6:00 PM–9:00 PM.