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The 34th International Konark Dance Festival began in the backdrop of the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha's Puri district on Friday. The five-day dance festival is one of the biggest dance festivals held in Odisha and is held every year in December, mostly from 1 to 5.
The exquisite 'Salamander' or 'dancing hall' of this shrine is an architectural wonder. Every inch of its walls has been covered with fine artistic designs from ancient times. The event showcases the best of India's traditional and classical dance forms, besides offering insights into the cultural heritage of the country.Since 1986, this festival has been organised in the state jointly by Odisha Tourism and Odissi Research Centre to promote the diverse Indian dance heritage as well as the popularity of Konark Temple and Odisha as a tourist destination.