Nestling amidst casuarinas and cashewtrees on a send dune and built through the painstaking efforts of Guru Late Gangadhar Pradhan, a renowned Odishi Dance Guru and Mardal Player of international repute, the Konark Natya Mandap is a Performer’s delight. A replica of the Natyasala of the Scintillating and stupendous Sun Temple of Konark, It Provides just the right kind of ambience for artistes, con
noisseurs and art lovers from all over the country and abroad. Started in 1986, the Majestic recreation of the past masterprice of sculpture, has become the sanctum sanctum sanctorum of perfoming arts all over the World. The objectives of the Konrak Natya Mandap are to preserve, promote and project the rich cultural heritage of Orissa and to infuse cultural awareness in the minds of all, through organization of Dance, Music and cultural festivals all round the year. It has played a significant role in the famous Konark dance & music Festival, organized every year from 19th to 21st of February. Apart from that , the konark Natya Mandap serves as a temple of learning. Following the glorious traditions guru kula parampara, it provides teaching and training in Dance, Music and Yoga. Classes on Odissi Dance, Gotipua Dance, Chhau Dance, Mardal, Tabla , Odissi Vocal and all other forms of odissan art and culture are being conducted in the premises of Konark Natya Mandap. Experienced gurus and teachers share their experience with students who get the privilege of presenting their skill on the three stages (Open Air Auditorium); erected in the premises. Besides some primitive art forms like Sankirtan, Paika Akhada, pala , Daskathia, Ramalila etc. are also preformed on festive occasions like Basanta Panchami, Ram Nabami, Kumar Purnima, Raja Utsav, Akshaya Trutiya, Dola Utsav, Siva Ratri, Janmastami, Saraswati Puja, Jhulana Purnima etc. In the Present system of Gurukul Ashram the Konark Natya Mandap .
