Are you ready to step back in time and experience the rich cultural heritage of India? The Pattadakal Dance Festival, held every January, is a vibrant celebration of history and tradition in Pattadakal, Karnataka. Organized by the Government of Karnataka, this festival is a tribute to the ancient heritage of Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second capital of the Chalukyan kings. The festival showcases traditional dance forms, bringing together renowned dancers from across Karnataka and India, against the backdrop of the village's historic temples.
Pattadakal, located on the Malaprabha River's left bank, is famous for its complex Hindu and Jain temples, built between the 7th and 8th centuries during the reign of the Chalukya emperors. These temples blend northern Nagara and southern Dravidian architectural styles, featuring exquisite carvings that depict the rich Indian culture and heritage. Besides the dance performances, visitors can enjoy a craft Mela, adding to the festival's attractions.
History of Pattadakal Dance Festival
Pattadakal was essentially a coronation place where the kings were crowned. The coronation ceremony was a matter of great cultural extravaganza which used to be accompanied by classical music and dance to allure the king. The Pattadakal Dance Festival is also known by the name Chalukya Dance Festival as it was the ruling region for Chalukya Dynasty.
Major Attractions of Pattadakal Festival
1. Kathakali
Kathak is a classical Indian dance form that originated in the Northern region of India. It is one of Karnataka's famous dance forms. It's a bit similar to other classical and regional dance forms of India such as Bharatnatyam of South India and Odissi of East India. At the Pattadakal Complex, several renowned Kathak artists can be seen performing.
2. Kuchipudi
The Kuchipudi dance form originated in the Kuchipudi village of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the eleven classical dance forms of India. Kuchipudi is also considered as a storytelling dance form where dancers show several gestures that depict a particular story.
3. Bharatnatyam
It is one of the important classical dances of Karnataka. The dance form was originated in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and majorly expresses south Indian culture and heritage which is mainly driven by Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism.
4. Carnatic Music
One can explore Carnatic Music which is practiced in southern states of India such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Carnatic music includes melodious compositions such as Varnam and Kriti.
5. Craft Mela
Crafts Mela is another significant event that is organized during the Pattadakal Dance Festival. The crafts Mela includes the exhibition of our dying art such as Rogan Painting and Mithil Painting that have got world recognition.
How to Reach Pattadakal
Pattadakal is a historical destination with its roots connected to the Chalukyan empire. It is located at a distance of 1,769, 603, 2,102, 453 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can reach here by the following means of transportation.
By Air
The nearest airport is the Hubli Airport (HBX). It is located at a distance of 150 km from Patadakkal via NH52. This airport is known for serving both the cities of Hubli and Dharwad. Considered as the 3rd busiest airport in Karnataka a great number of locals and foreign nationals use this airport for travelling to their respective destinations. It was in 2013, that the Government of India had signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to build this airport.
After deboarding at the airport, you will need to take a cab or some other means of public transportation like a bus to reach your destination.
Here is how you can reach here via flights.
- Delhi - Board SpiceJet, IndiGo, Vistara flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.5,000
- Bengaluru - Board IndiGo, Air India flights from Bengaluru Airport. The airfares start from Rs.2,000
- Pune - Board IndiGo, Vistara, Air India flights from Pune. The airfares start from Rs.3,000
- Mysore - Board IndiGo, Air India flights from Mysore. The airfares start from Rs.3,000-Rs.4,000
- Vijayawada - Board IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet flights from Vijayawada Airport. The airfares start from Rs.4,000
By Rail
There is no direct railway connectivity to Pattadakal. Thus, to reach here by train, you will need to deboard at the Badami train station. This railway station falls under the Hubli Railway Division of the southwestern railway. After deboarding at the railway station, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation.
Here is how you can reach here.
- Pune - Board CSMT GADAG EXP from Pune Junction and deboard at the Badami Junction
- Mangalore - Board MAJN BJP EXPRESS from Mangalore Junction and deboard at the Badami Junction
- Hyderabad - Board SC UBL Express from Secunderabad Junction and deboard at the Badami Junction
By Road
Pattadakal is very well connected by road network to other Indian cities. Depending upon your location, you can easily travel here either by your own vehicle, cab, or bus.
From Vijayawada, the bus fares start from Rs.750. From Pune, the bus fares start from Rs.700-Rs.800. From Nashik, the bus fares start from Rs.1,500.
Here is how you can reach here by the following routes.
- Pune - 460 km via AH47 or Pune Solapur Road
- Nashik - 629 km via NH65 or NH52
- Bengaluru - 453 km via NH48 or NH50
- Surat - 870 km via NH48 or AH47
- Hyderabad- 398 km via NH65 or NH50
- Vijayawada - 663 km via NH65 or NH50
Conclusion
The Pattadakal Dance Festival is not just an event; it's a journey through India's glorious past, an opportunity to witness the country's diverse cultural traditions and architectural marvels. It invites everyone to explore the beauty and splendor of Pattadakal, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and dance.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pattadakal Dance Festival
Q1: What is the Pattadakal Dance Festival?
A1: It's an annual event in January celebrating the cultural heritage of Pattadakal, Karnataka, with traditional dance performances and a crafts fair.
Q2: Where is Pattadakal located?
A2: Pattadakal is a village in Karnataka, about 20 km from Badami city, known for its ancient temples and history.
Q3: Why is Pattadakal famous?
A3: It's famous for its complex of Hindu and Jain temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing a blend of architectural styles.
Q4: Who organizes the Pattadakal Dance Festival?
A4: The festival is organized by the Government of Karnataka to promote the cultural heritage of the region.
Q5: What can visitors do at the festival?
A5: Visitors can enjoy traditional dance performances, explore the craft Mela, and visit the historic temples in Pattadakal.
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