Konark Dance Festival 2026: The Complete Traveller's Guide
Dec 1 – 5, 2026Konark Sun Temple, 64 km from BhubaneswarOpen-Air Auditorium
Festival Dates
Dec 1–5, 2026
Venue
Konark Sun Temple
Distance
64 km from BBN
Drive Time
~1.5 hrs
Shows
6 PM – 9 PM
Tickets
Book in advance
About the Konark Dance Festival
Every year for five evenings in early December, the ancient Natyamandira (dancing hall) of the UNESCO-heritage Konark Sun Temple serves as the backdrop for one of India's most extraordinary classical dance events. Illuminated against the 13th-century sandstone monument, the finest exponents of Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Manipuri, Chhau, and Sattriya perform under an open Odisha sky — a spectacle that is equal parts art, heritage, and magic.
For travellers staying in Bhubaneswar, the Konark Dance Festival is just a 64-km drive away — easily combined with the Puri beach circuit into a memorable 3-day Odisha cultural trip. The drive itself, via NH316 and the Marine Drive coastal road, is one of the most scenic in eastern India.
5-Day Festival Schedule
Dec 1
Opening Night — Odissi Showcase
6:00–8:30 PM · Odissi by leading troupes from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata · Also: Crafts Mela opens at Urban Haat Konark
Dec 2
Bharatanatyam & Mohiniattam Night
Performers from New Delhi and Kerala · Intricate abhinaya expressions · Sand Art Festival begins at Chandrabhaga Beach
Dec 3
Manipuri & Kuchipudi
Lyrical Manipuri dance from Northeast India · Kuchipudi drama from Andhra · Folk troupes from Gujarat and Rajasthan
Dec 4
Kathak & Chhau Night
Intricate footwork of Kathak · Electrifying Chhau martial dance from Odisha · International guest performers
Dec 5
Grand Finale — Sattriya & Ensemble
Sattriya from Assam · Closing ensemble of all dance forms · Crafts Mela final day · Sand sculpture finale at sunset
Bhubaneswar → Puri buses then local bus/auto to Konark · Or direct bus · ₹120–200
Are tickets required for the Konark Dance Festival?
Yes, tickets are sold in advance through Odisha Tourism. Prices are accessible for all budgets. Reserve well in advance as the open-air auditorium fills quickly, especially for the opening and closing nights.
What else can I do during the festival days?
During the day, explore the Sun Temple at sunrise (golden hour is magical), visit the Chandrabhaga Beach sand sculptures, and shop at the Crafts Mela at Urban Haat Konark for handmade sculptures and Odia handicrafts.
Is Bhubaneswar or Puri better as a base for the festival?
Bhubaneswar gives you more hotel options at better prices, while Puri gives you beach access. Both are about the same distance to Konark (~64 km). Drigo recommends Bhubaneswar for a 3-night stay covering both Konark and Puri sightseeing.
Drive to Konark in Your Own Car
Pick up a self drive car in Bhubaneswar and cruise the scenic Marine Drive to Konark — from ₹2,000/day, no driver needed.