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Ambiguity shrouds Konark fest

BHUBANESWAR: An impromptu attitude of the State Tourism Directorate over preparations for the forthcoming 18th edition of the annual Konark festival of Indian classical dances has jeopardized its objectives.

Slated to be mounted at the open-air auditorium in Konark, the five-day festival is regarded as the best event of its kind in India after Khajuraho that promotes tourism and Indian classical dances together in a unique manner. Being hosted by the Orissa Government at a cost of about Rs. 25 lakh, it starts on December 1 every year.

Since the festival aims at attracting dance loving tourists from abroad and other parts of the country during winter when the tourism season reach its peak in Orissa, a high-level committee of the Government had resolved to start preparations for the festival at least six months ahead of the schedule so as to enable the tour operators to book their clients for trips to Orissa.

However, since the Directorate has yet to release any information about the festival and the list of artistes, Konark festival would probably be a loser this year, pointed out several stake holders in the hospitality industry.

Although the jury for selection of the troupes met on October 9 here and suggested the names, the artistes are yet to be informed about the selection and the schedule, sources confirmed.

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