Khajuraho Dance Festivals
The Khajuraho Dance Festival is the celebration of the traditional dance forms against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cultural presentation is an intriguing spectacle of art and traditions of India presented in the form of dance. The site stands as a testimony to Indian culture and traditions.
Khajuraho, a small city located in the Chattarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is believed that the temples located in the city are its prime foundations which were built around 950-1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty. Out of the 85 temples that took over a century to build, only 20 of them exist currently. The intricate sculptures and stunning artwork of the temples attract most of the tourists to the gates of Khajuraho. These architectural marvels are not only a feast to the eyes but also a symbol of the craftmanship and prowess of our predecessors. Apart from temples, there is yet another crowd-puller that can be witnessed every year in February. This grand event, known as the Khajuraho Dance Festival is conducted for a week at the temple grounds.
Where is the celebrated Khajuraho Dance Festival?
The Khajuraho Dance Festival is celebrated in Western Group of Temples Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Performances of the intricate footwork of Kathak, highly stylized and sophisticated Bharathnatyam, soft lyrical temple dance - Odissi, the dance dramas of Kuchipudi and Manipuri, and the Kathakali stage fights with elaborate masks keep the audiences spellbound.
The festival is held to showcase the beauty of human emotions with dance. The event is held at open air auditoriums in two of the most popular temples of Khajuraho, the Chitragupta & Vishwanatha Temple.
The dance festival in Khajuraho consists of daily performances by eminent icons of various Indian dance forms, and group performances encompassing Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathakali and recently, modern Indian dance. It represents the perfect fusion of classical music and various dance forms. It is a treat that entices both national and international audiences. Since its inception in 1975, this tradition, celebrating the culture and art forms of India has been the most awaited event of the country. Organised by the Department of Culture and assisted by Madhya Pradesh Tourism, the onset of the dance festival leads to several extended tour packages for travellers.