Bhubaneswar: A fresh controversy has erupted in Odisha’s cultural circles after some male Odissi dancers took the stage sporting stubble on the second evening of the five-day Konrak Festival 2025 at the Sun Temple’s open air auditorium.

The sight rubbed many gurus and art lovers the wrong way. ADVERTISEMENT

On the second day of the festival, after Kuchipudi dance performances by Guru Vyjayanthi Kashi & Group from Shambhavi School of Dance, Bengaluru, the artistes of Odissi Vision & Movement Centre, Kolkata, performed three items. But the unshaven look of the male dancers of the ensemble didn’t go down well with some art lovers, drawing sharp criticism.

It is argued that facial hair on Odissi male dancers is at odds with the long-cherished tradition of Odissi dance.

Taking exception to

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