India has a rich cultural heritage that has varied dance forms that we get to see are a reflection of our diverse cultural traditions. When it comes to Indian classical dancing, India has an amazing variety to present. Some of the dances are religious in nature, while others are performed primarily for the purpose of entertainment during the numerous festive occasions. Most of the classical dances have a religious significance and convey the devotion and gratitude to the divinity. All the dance forms revolve around the nine 'Rasa' or emotions, namely happiness, anger, fear, courage, peace, kindness, agony, surprise and disgust. There are many dance festivals that are conducted by many institutions to portray the rich cultural heritage we own. These dance festivals are a glimpse to the world of India and its great cultural legacy. To know about the dance festivals held in India, read on...
Popular Indian Dance Festivals
Chennai Dance and Music Festival
Chennai Music and Dance Festival is organized every year during mid-December to mid-January. The capital city of Chennai serves as the venue of the festival, which lasts for a period of approximately one month. Various organizations organize dance performances in venues all over the city. More...
Chidambaram Dance Festival
The Chidambaram Dance Festival is organized in the ancient Nataraja temple of the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built as a tribute to His dancing form, known as Nataraja (the Lord of Dances). This festival is held during MahaShivratri . More...
Elephanta Festival
The Elephanta Festival is celebrated every year in the month of February, on the Elephanta Island. The island is situated at a distance of approximately 10 km from the Mumbai harbor. During this Dance festival the whole island turns into an open auditorium. More...
Konark Dance Festival
Konark dance festival is celebrated every year at the open air auditorium of the sun temple at Konark. The festival is a three to seven day long occasion which is usually hosted in the month of December. Eminent dancers from all over India come to Konark to showcase their talent. More...
Mamallapuram Dance Festival
Mamallapuram dance festival is celebrated every year during the period between December and January in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. This festive occasion is organized under the patronage of Department of Tourism, Govt. of Tamilnadu. The dance festival is held at the backdrop of the ancient port of the great Pallavas. More...
Modhera Dance Festival
Modhera dance festival is celebrated every year in the month of January at the sun temple in Modhera, Gujarat. The temple was established in the dedication of Lord Surya or the Sun God. Modhera dance festival is one of the most significant festive occasions of Gujarat. More...
Khajuraho Dance Festival
The Khajuraho dance festival is held in Khajuraho, located in Madhya Pradesh. This cultural festival is held against a spectacular backdrop of beautifully decorated temples of Khajuraho. It is an annual event that is conducted during the months of February or March. More...
Pattadakal Dance Festival
Pattadakal is a small town located in the state of Karnataka, India. Every year in the month of January, a famous cultural dance event is held here that is known as Pattadakal Dance Festival. Along with the dance festival there is an arts and crafts fair that is held during this time. More...
Nishagandhi Dance Festival
The Nishagandhi Dance Festival is held in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. It is conducted in the Nishagandhi Theatre located in Kanakakunnu Palace compound. More...
Rajgir Dance Festival
Rajgir Dance Festival is a popular cultural event of India that is celebrated at Rajgir, Bihar. This festival is arranged by Bihar Tourism Department annually in the month of October. Rajghir was once the capital of Magdha kings and comes to its form during the festival.More...
