Have you ever wanted to see India's traditional dances up close? The Khajuraho Dance Festival is your chance! Every February, for seven days, this festival lights up the historic Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh. It's a big celebration of classical music, dance, and arts, put together by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad. Artists from all over India come to perform, making it a great place for tourists from everywhere to learn about India's cultural treasures.
At the festival, you can watch amazing dance performances, like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, to name a few. It's not just about watching dances; you can also learn about the stories behind them, meet the artists, and see the beautiful temple sculptures that match the dance themes. The festival usually happens in February, a lovely time to visit Khajuraho and enjoy its pleasant weather. Read on to dive deeper into this cultural spectacle.
Date & Venue of the Khajuraho Dance Festival 2024
The Khajuraho Dance Festival will take place in the Khajuraho district in Madhya Pradesh. The wonderful Khajuraho Dance Festival is a one-week festival and will be taking place from 20th February to 26th February.
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.
Major Attractions of Khajuraho Dance Festival 2024
This 7 days festival is a sight for sore eyes. No doubt, this is regarded as one of the best festivals celebrated in India! Here are some major highlights of the event-
1. Bharatnatyam
It is an Indian classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. It showcases the South Indian culture while majorly interpreting themes from Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
2. Kathak
It is one of the eight forms of Indian Classical Dance. The literal meaning of the word Kathak is storytelling that is interpreted in the form of this particular Dance. During the performance, the dancers use various gestures and postures, which define the story in a very expressive manner.
3. Kuchipudi
It is believed that this dance form was established in a village named Kuchipudi, situated in Andhra Pradesh. It is like a dance-drama performance with its roots in the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text of Natya Shastra.
4. Manipuri
This form of dance is also known as Jagoi. It is interesting to know that Manipuri was named after the region of its origin – Manipur, which is a northeastern state of India popular for its rich heritage and culture.
5. Musical Extravaganza
The festival also witnesses the soulful musical performance of great Indian classical music artists of India. One can enjoy the melodious sound of artists playing Mridangam and Tabla in coordination with the dancers.
6. Artists Lined Up
The festival is organized in front of Chitragupta Temple and Vishwanath Temple. This year the stage will be mesmerized with artists like ArushiNishank, Radha-Raja Reddy, Lakshmi Vishwanathan, and Darshna Jhaveri.
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 inMadhya 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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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. What is the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
A1. Khajuraho dance festival is a phenomenal festival of Madhya Pradesh that takes place annually and celebrates the rich culture and beliefs. You can enjoy the Indian classical dance performances by the talented artisans present there.
Q2.When is the Khajuraho Dance Festival held?
A2. The wonderful Khajuraho Dance Festival is a one-week festival and will be taking place from 20th February to 26th February.
Q3. Where is the festival held?
A3. The Khajuraho dance festival is celebrated in the Khajuraho in the Madhya Pradesh state of India.
Q4. How long does the festival last?
A4. The Khajuraho dance festival in Madhya Pradesh lasts for a period of one week.
Q5. Are there any other cultural events held in Khajuraho besides the Dance Festival?
A5. Besides the Dance Festival, here is the list of festivals celebrated in Khajuraho with full zeal-
Q6. What is the history of Khajuraho Dance Festival?
A6. Since there aren't many documented references or records that can pinpoint the location's beginnings, the history of Khajuraho as a historic site is quite uncertain. Tourists from around the world have been interested in these temples because of the wonderful artworks that are present.
Q7. Are there any special packages or accommodations available for the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
A7. Yes, you can go to the Adotrip website and book your customized vacation packages with them.
Q8. How can I get to Madhya Pradesh for the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
A8. You can travel to Madhya Pradesh by the following modes of transport-
- By Air | Khajuraho Airport
- By Train | Khajuraho Junction
- By land | National Highways from Kanpur/ Agra/ Lucknow/ Jaipur/ Indore
