Khajuraho Dance Festival
Quick
Facts
Celebrated in : Khajuraho, Bundalkhand, Madhya Pradesh
Festival Time : Feb/March
Duration : 25th February to 3rd March
Highlights : Different forms of Indian Classical Dance,
Celebration of the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples and upholding it
for the coming generation.
Venue : Western Group of temples, Khajuraho
Khajuraho Dance Festival - Celebrating the Cultural Heritage
Khajuraho Dance Festival is one of those festivals of India that all dance
lovers eagerly wait for. The 7-day Khajuraho Dance Festival, which is
supposed to take place from 25th February to 2nd March every year from 2002
to 2009, highlights the richness of the Indian classical dance. This
festival sees performance by some of the best classical dancers in India
every year, which perform against the spectacular backdrop of the
magnificently lit temples. The various dances performed here are Kathak,
Odissi, Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. Modern Indian
dance is a recent addition.
Khajuraho is situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh and lies
395 Km southeast of Agra. Khajuraho is known for its enchanting temples. But
now this legendary dance festival has added to its popularity. The reason
why this dance festival was born was to make the cultural heritage of
Khajuraho relevant to the present society and also for preserving it for the
coming generation. Besides the dance performances, visitors and tourists can
also buy local handmade garments and articles in an open market space.
The week- long festival of classical dances is held every year in
February/March against the befitting backdrop of the magnificently lit
temples. The dances that are presented here are that of Kathak, Odissi,
Kathakali, Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi and Manipuri. The best in these dances
are specially invited for performing their art here. The artists are
rewarded for their performances and it is a truly cultural bliss for the
lovers and supporters of these ancient dance forms.
The dances are performed in an open-air auditorium, usually in front of the
Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, belonging to the western group. Along with
the popular performers, a number of craftsmen display their crafts to the
visitors. There is an open market where local articles are there for sale.
Khajuraho Dance Festival is conducted as a celebration of the cultural
heritage of Khajuraho temples and upholding it for the coming generation.
So, main idea behind Khajuraho Dance Festival is to make the cultural
heritage of Khajuraho pertinent to the present society and keeping it for
the coming generation. On this occasion a number of artists and craftsmen
participates in the workshop and seminar and present their art to the
various visitors and tourist. This festival is known not only in our country
but also to the outside world in mass.