Konark festival from today with Covid curbs, limited seats

BHUBANESWAR: Amid Covid restrictions, the state government is all set to host the 31st edition of Konark Festival from Tuesday. It is going to be the first outdoor event to be held in the state since the start of the lockdown in March.
“We didn’t want to break the tradition of hosting the festival, which celebrates India’s classical dance forms and cultural depth. We are conducting the festival amid strict Covid-19 restrictions and a reduced seating capacity. We wanted to set an example for those engaged in organising cultural programmes across the country,” tourism secretary Vishal Dev said.
Officials said though the artistes and troupe members would not have to present a Covid negative test report, they would undergo health screening and have to follow other norms like wearing masks, using sanitizers and maintain social distancing at all times.
All precautions are to be followed in changing rooms and measures have to be taken to keep them uncluttered. “I don’t think Covid-19 testing is mandatory for artists or troupe members, but we are following all safety measures to be on the safe side,” Dev added.
The six-day long dance festival, organised by the state tourism department, will feature performances of Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kuchipudi and Kathak at the open-air auditorium, set in the backdrop of the magnificent Sun Temple of Konark.
People will have to buy tickets to watch the performances and the seating capacity has been reduced to one third. Around 600 people will be allowed to the see the festival.
There will be at least six-feet distance between two seats. Visitors have to wear masks at all times and use sanitizers as and when required. “Tickets, priced at Rs 100 and Rs 20 per person, will be sold on first-come-first-served basis,” Dev added.
Due to space constraints, the media from outside Konark will not get a venue pass. The event will be telecast live on Facebook, YouTube and the festival website.
Festival amid Covid drew protests, PILs
WWe are conducting the festival amid a lot constraints and may not be able to ensure seats to all those coming to the venue,” tourism director S R Yadav said.
The 9th International Sand Art Festival, which will begin alongside the Konark Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach, will have 70 participants across 25 stalls.
Meanwhile, some groups of people have opposed the state government’s decision to host the festival amid restrictions on other cultural and religious events owing to the pandemic. A couple of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have been filed in the Odisha high court in this regard.
“Promoting performing arts is great. But hosting a dance festival can give a wrong impression about the government among other artistes. They should think of giving equal opportunities to others whose livelihoods have been affected due to Covid-19,” said theatre personality Anant Mohapatra.