FESTIVAL IN FOCUS Bikaner Festival : 10 – 11 Jan’2009 Dedicated to that most quintessential of desert animals, the annual Bikaner Festival celebrates the humble camel with a series of special cultural events, shows and entertainment. As you would expect, there are many camels on display at the event, which includes camel beauty pageants, camel competitions and camel processions with the animals decorated with paints and ornate harnesses paraded around the festival. The festival also includes a great range of traditional cultural performances including music, folk dancing, poetry and storytelling – all extolling the virtues of this “ship of the dessert”. Visitors can also enjoy craft bazaars, food and drink stalls and bustling markets. Konark Dance Festival : 01 – 05 Dec’2008 The sun temple in Konark, Orissa better known as 'Black Pagoda' is a magnificent structure built of black granite designed as the chariot of the Sun God, drawn by seven exquisitely carved horses situated on the Chandrabhaga beach of Konark. It is famed as a world heritage site. The exquisite 'Natyamandir' or the 'dancing hall' of this 700-year old shrine is an architectural wonder with well-adorned sculptures in Odissi dance poses. This is the venue of a joyous festival of classical dance and music which is held annually on December. A host of eminent dancers from all over the country perform in the open air auditorium. The festival provides a platform for both to the performing artiste and the dance connoisseurs in appreciating the essence of various classical dance forms of the country. The stage for the dancing event glows in pristine glory of much admired Odissi, Bharat Natyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow Dance - a lavish feast for the eyes and ears. This experience of a lifetime will no doubt be a cocktail of Art & Craft, Dance & Music, and Sun & Frolic - a total package for five eventful and memorable days. The festival is jointly organized by Orissa Tourism and Odissi Research Centre. Elaborate arrangements are made for the tourists to witness the festival.