Founded by Guru Gangadhar Pradhan in 1986, the Konark Natya Mandap in
Konark stands to preserve, promote and project rich cultural heritage of
Orissa. It organizes various festivals every year to create cultural awareness among people. The mandap also imparts training in dance, music and yoga in guru kula tradition, an ancient method of education. Lessons are offered on Gotipua,
Odissi dance, modal,
tabla, Odissi vocal and all other forms of Orissan art and culture.
Students have opportunities to perform their skills on stage. Performances of primitive art forms such as Sankirtan, Paika, Akhada and Pala are conducted during the occasions like Vasant Panchami and Jhulan Purnima. Besides, the mandap makes arrangements for artists from various parts of the country to take part in Konark Dance Festival.
