Much of orissa's ancient activities revolvedaround the beautiful temples that were ahundant in the rural areas and the commercial centers. In the big temples, the role of dance and music in temple rituals was important enough to accord them a separate enclosure - the Natamandira - for their full development.

The famous Natamandiras. Beautifully embellished with figures in various poses of dance and musicians handling a variety of instruments are witness to this integral role in temple life.

What also comes to light is the important revelation that the devdasis or female temple dancers was not only prevalent to the temples in central and south India. But also existed in Orissa in a highly sophisticated form.

The more talented devdasis were selected for training in the secret arts of the temple dance - Odissi - which today has become a highly stylized and elegant dance form. The annual Konark Dance Festival held in the amphitheatre with the spectacular Sun Temple at the backdrop is one of the most superb expositions of this graceful temple dance.