Sitar player Rabi Shankar Pradhan performs at Konark Music and Dance Festival. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 24: The Konark Music and Dance Festival, hosted at the Konark Natya Mandap, concluded here last evening.

The five-day festival presented some memorable performances that received appreciation from local visitors as well as foreigners.

Noted Bharatnatyam dancer and actress Vyjayanthimala Bali’s presence at the festival was the chief attraction. The festival, a concept of the late Odissi guru Gangadhar Pradhan, saw Vyjayanthimala being felicitated with an annual award instituted in Pradhan’s memory.

As youthful in spirit as during her reign on the film industry, she pulled many visitors from far and wide.

“It is an honour to be receiving the lifetime achievement award named after such a legendary figure, who played a significant role in making Odissi popular across the globe,” she said.

Artistes of repute showcased mesmerising recitals at the beautiful stage of the Konark Natya Mandap, which resembles the dance podium of the world-renowned Sun temple of Konark.

“Yet, it was heartening to see that many preferred to even stand and watch the artistes perform as the seats were all filled,” he said.