The festival has brought lot of pride to Odisha and has put Konark on the world cultural map and is one of the leading festivals in India.
This year two groups came from Malaysia to perform Bharatnatyam and Odissi.
The Konark Dance Festival is held every year from December 1 to 5 bringing in some of the best Indian classical dance groups to perform.
Other than Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Mohiniattam dance forms were presented by the groups.
Konark Festival is a big hit with the travelers, from both India and abroad.
The festival aims to promote Konark as a tourist destination.
During the festival, the entire area reverberates with the sounds dancing bells, and various accompanying musical instruments.
The various acts by the dance groups narrate stories from the Indian mythology, religion, history and showcase its rich legacy.
Ten acclaimed dance groups performed at this year's festival.
Sun Temple, the world heritage site sets the beautiful backdrop of the open air auditorium.
Konark is making its place in the world cultural map with its signature event – the Konark Festival, a five-day Indian classical dance milieu of best of the best performers. Odisha Tourism plays host to this colourful event as the world heritage site of Sun Temple dons the role of a magnetic tourist attraction.