Venue: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Time: February / March
Duration: One Week
Highlights: Performances of some of the best performers in Indian dance styles such as Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali
The temple town of Khajuraho is one-of its kinds in the whole country, for instead of worshipping of the dieties, eroticism depicted on the walls in the form of sculptures take a precedence. Once the capital of the Chandela dynasty, the temple complex has today become the second most favored destination in India, after the wondrous and spellbinding Taj Mahal. While the glorious rich past of Khajuraho draws tourists from all over the world, the popularity has been further enhanced by the Khajuraho Dance Festival which is held every year for a week, during the months of February or March. This cultural festival is held against a spectacular backdrop of beautifully decorated temples of Khajuraho. The main highlight of this cultural festival is the excellent performances by Indian classical dancers. Usually, these dances are performed in an open-air auditorium located in front of the Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanatha Temple. These temples are divided into western, eastern and southern group. The Khajuraho Dance Festival highlights the beautiful aspects of the rich cultural heritage of India. Read on to know in detail about the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
History
The past of Khajuraho is covered with mysteries. The visual depiction of courtly love including dance and music is very alluring and fascinating.These temples were built at the time when Chandela dynasty, which was one of the powerful Rajput dynasties, ruled over there for five centuries. At that time, they built approximately eighty-five temples carved in stone embroidered completely. Today, only twenty-two temples are left. The festival is not only celebrated for the cultural history of its temples, but also to spread awareness and to make its theme important to the present society. Apart from this, it is also celebrated to preserve elegant and beautiful art for upcoming generations to carry on the legacy.
Types of Dances
Some of the most popular dance styles performed in this festival is Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Kathakali. It gives pleasant feeling to those who love Indian classical dance forms. These dance forms are presented by famous dance celebrities. In the recent times, modern Indian dance forms have also ,ade their presence felt in the the festival. Comparatively, Khajuraho Dance Festival is new as it was started in the year 2002, but in terms of reputation, it is not a nip less than any other dance festival.
Spread of Festival
While most believe that the festival is primarily organized by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department to promote tourism, in actuality, the festival has a deeper purpose. The main motive of organizing this festival is that, it has fusion of the present generation with rich tradition of past which is more relevant for coming generations. The Khajuraho Dance Festival highlights the beautiful aspects of prosperous cultural heritage of India. The amazing dances besides the marvelous background of exquisitely ignited temples make the event very enjoyable and magical.Besides the amusing performances, you will find a number of craftsmen showcasing their artifacts and crafts to curious visitors. Apart from this, there is an open market where local articles are kept for sale. This festival has become popular among both local and foreign tourists. The festival was started by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department to promote tourism.
Khajuraho Tourist Attractions
There are many other interesting sites near Khajuraho to visit. Some of them are Dhubela museum which has a rare collection of Bundelkhandi artifacts, Pandava Waterfalls, Ken Gharial Sanctuary, Raneh Falls, Kalinjar Fort, Rajgarh Palace, Ajaygarh Fort and Benisagar and Ranguan Lake. Apart from enjoying at Khajuraho festival, you can also go to these beautiful places and relax.
How To Reach
By Air: Khajuraho has its own airport and has regular flights from nearest cities like Delhi, Varanasi and Agra.
By Road: Nearest railway station is Jhansi, 175 kilometers away from Khajuraho. A wide network of roads interconnects Khajuraho to the nearest major cities.
