The Khajuraho Dance Festival is a mesmerizing celebration of India’s rich cultural and artistic traditions, set against the stunning backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh. Held annually in February, this week-long festival brings together renowned classical dancers from across the country, showcasing vibrant performances of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya.
The festival was initiated in 1975 by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad to revive and promote India’s ancient dance forms, many of which have been performed in temple courtyards for centuries. The Khajuraho temples, built by the Chandela dynasty between the 9th and 11th centuries, serve as a fitting venue, adorned with intricate sculptures that depict celestial dancers, gods, and divine musicians.
Why Visit the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
- Spectacular Performances – Experience live performances by India's best classical dancers under the open sky.
- Stunning Location – The festival takes place in front of the Chitragupta Temple (dedicated to Surya) and Vishwanatha Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva).
- Cultural Immersion – Apart from dance, visitors can explore handicrafts exhibitions, art fairs, and local cuisine, making it a complete cultural experience.
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Date & Venue of the Khajuraho Dance Festival 2025
The festival is typically held from February 20 to 26. Entry is free, making it an unmissable experience for art lovers, photographers, and travelers.
History of Khajuraho Group of Monuments
The Khajuraho Dance Festival started in 1975, and its roots can be traced back to ancient Hindu Mythology, where dance has always carried a great significance. Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and Kuchipudi are dance forms that play an important role in the Hindu scriptures and texts. It is said that many Gods themselves used to have expertise in some dance form or the other. Lord Shiva's Nataraja form is a great example to look upon. He was the one who used to do Tandava to express his anger.
Lord Krishna’s Rasleela and the Gopis is also a dance expressed playfully. Like this, one can find many other examples imbibed in our legends, history, and folklore.
The history of Khajuraho as a historic site is very unclear as there are not many written references or records that can trace the origin of this place. The incredible artworks found in these temples have gained the attention of tourists from all over the world. Visiting this historical site, you can feel various questions welling up in your mind about the whereabouts of the kingdom and the reason behind the construction of this place.
The architecture of these temples is mostly in Nagara Style and includes mostly Hindu and Jain Temples. The sculptures on the walls of temples mostly depict the day-to-day life events along with the erotic scenes. However, the legends suggest that these temples were built between 950 and 1050 AD by the Chandela Dynasty.
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Major Attractions of Khajuraho Dance Festival 2025
- Spellbinding Classical Dance Performances – Witness India’s top classical dancers performing Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipur, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya against the backdrop of the illuminated Chitragupta and Vishwanatha Temples.
- Cultural Exhibitions & Art Fair – Explore local handicrafts, paintings, sculptures, and traditional Madhya Pradesh artwork, featuring artisans from across India.
- Sound & Light Show at Khajuraho Temples – Experience the history and legends of the Chandela dynasty through an enchanting light and sound show, narrating the story of the temples.
- Heritage Walks & Guided Temple Tours – Discover the stunning UNESCO-listed Khajuraho Temples, renowned for their exquisite carvings, intricate sculptures, and historical significance.
- Street Food & Local Cuisine Delights – Indulge in authentic Madhya Pradesh delicacies, including Poha, Jalebi, Dal Bafla, and local sweets, at food stalls near the festival venue.
- Workshops & Interactive Sessions – Participate in dance workshops, cultural discussions, and live demonstrations by expert artists and performers.
- Folk Music & Dance Performances – Apart from classical dance, enjoy vibrant Bundeli folk performances, adding a regional touch to the festival's grand celebrations.
- Photography & Film Festival – Capture the magic of the festival, with opportunities to participate in photography contests and short film screenings focused on India’s cultural heritage.
How To Reach Khajuraho to Attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival
Anyone who wants to explore Indian culture in its essence must visit the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh. Let’s see how we can travel here via the following routes.
- Nearest Major City. Chattarpur
- Nearest Airport. Khajuraho Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Khajuraho Junction
- Distance from Chattarpur. 44 Km
By Air
Khajuraho has its own airport of the same name (HJR). This airport is situated in the Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district and covers an area of up to 590 acres. This airport has one asphalt runway with one terminal. After deboarding your flight, you can easily take some means of public transport to reach your destination.
- Distance from Khajuraho Airport. 2.9 Km
List of flights available from different Indian cities to Khajuraho
By Train
Khajuraho has its own railway station with the same name. According to data, this train station handles about 3,000 people daily. However, it is not very well connected with all the cities. Here is the route you can take to reach here via the following places. After you deboard at the train station, you will need to cover the remaining distance by cab.
- Distance from Khajuraho Junction. 9.2 Km
By Road
You can also travel to Khajuraho by road. Depending upon your location, you can easily take a cab, drive via your own vehicle or perhaps take a bus to reach here.
- Distance from Kanpur. 222 km via NH34 or NH27
- Distance from Agra. 448 km via NH19 or NH44
- Distance from Lucknow. 319 km via NH27 or NH34
- Distance from Jaipur. 625 km via NH39, NH21
- Distance from Indore. 569 km via NH52 or NH46
The Khajuraho Dance Festival stands as a vibrant celebration of India's cultural tapestry and artistic legacy. Through its harmonious blend of classical music, dance, and diverse art forms, the festival encapsulates the essence of Indian culture. It serves as a testament to the enduring beauty and richness of our heritage, captivating audiences from around the world.
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Read More : Famous Festivals Of Madhya Pradesh
Conclusion
The Khajuraho Dance Festival is a wonderful way to experience the richness of Indian culture. Whether you love dance, enjoy learning about different cultures, or just want to see something beautiful, this festival is worth visiting. It's a unique chance to see live performances that have been part of India's heritage for centuries.
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Frequently Asked Questions Related to Khajuraho Dance Festival
Q1. When and where is the Khajuraho Dance Festival held?
A1. The Khajuraho Dance Festival is held annually in February at the Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh, India. The performances take place in front of the Chitragupta Temple and Vishwanatha Temple, providing a stunning historical backdrop.
Q2. What are the main dance forms performed at the festival?
A2. The festival showcases India’s classical dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya. Each performance reflects centuries-old traditions and storytelling through dance.
Q3. Is there an entry fee for attending the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
A3. No, the festival is free and open to all. Visitors can enjoy the performances without any ticket requirements, making it an excellent opportunity to experience Indian classical dance and heritage.
Q4. What other attractions can visitors explore in Khajuraho?
A4. Apart from the dance festival, visitors can explore the Khajuraho temples, famous for their intricate sculptures, visit the Archaeological Museum, enjoy the Sound and Light Show, and experience local handicrafts, street food, and cultural exhibitions.
Q5. How can one reach Khajuraho for the festival?
A5. Khajuraho is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Khajuraho Airport (HJR) has flights from Delhi and Varanasi. The nearest major railway station is Jhansi (175 km away), with taxis and buses available. Direct trains also run to Khajuraho from Delhi.
