Khajuraho Dance Festival

1. Classical Dance Performances
The festival is a celebration of India’s classical dance traditions. Each evening features spellbinding performances by renowned artists in dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, and more. These performances are set against the illuminated temples, creating a magical ambiance.

2. Folk Dance and Music
In addition to classical performances, the festival showcases vibrant folk dances and music from various regions of India. These performances add a diverse flavor to the event, highlighting India’s cultural diversity.

3. Art Exhibitions and Workshops
The festival features art exhibitions and workshops that provide a platform for artisans to showcase their craft. Visitors can explore traditional handicrafts, paintings, and sculptures, gaining insights into India’s artistic traditions.

4. Temple Illumination
The Khajuraho temples are beautifully illuminated during the festival, adding to the grandeur of the event. The light and sound show that narrates the history of the temples is a must-see experience.

5. Local Cuisine and Handicrafts
The festival grounds host food stalls serving authentic local cuisine, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of Madhya Pradesh. Handicraft stalls featuring traditional items like textiles, jewelry, and pottery add to the charm of the event.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival was initiated in 1975 to promote India’s classical dance traditions and to bring attention to the architectural and cultural significance of the Khajuraho temples. These temples, built between the 9th and 11th centuries by the Chandela dynasty, are renowned for their intricate carvings that depict various aspects of life, spirituality, and art.

The festival aims to revive and celebrate the spirit of these sculptures, which often portray dancers in graceful poses. By hosting performances at this historic site, the festival bridges the gap between India’s ancient artistic heritage and contemporary cultural expressions.

Khajuraho is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it accessible for visitors.

By Air: Khajuraho Airport is located just 5 km from the city center and has regular flights from major cities like Delhi and Varanasi.
By Train: Khajuraho has a railway station with connections to key cities. Alternatively, visitors can travel to Jhansi or Satna and take a taxi to Khajuraho.
By Road: Khajuraho is well-connected by road and can be reached via buses or private vehicles from nearby cities like Jhansi, Bhopal, and Gwalior.

The 2024 Khajuraho Dance Festival will mark its 50th edition, making it a milestone celebration of India’s classical dance heritage.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is known for setting a record for the largest gathering of classical dancers performing at a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has also earned acclaim for its spectacular performances and preservation of Indian classical dance forms on a global stage.

The Modhera Dance Festival is celebrated in Modhera, Gujarat, at the Sun Temple, a magnificent structure dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. This festival highlights Gujarat’s cultural traditions and is held annually in January.

Khajuraho is renowned for its group of temples adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, showcasing themes of spirituality, love, and life. These temples, built during the Chandela dynasty between the 9th and 11th centuries, are a masterpiece of Indian art and architecture.

Khajuraho holds immense historical and cultural significance as a testament to India's ancient architectural and artistic brilliance. The temples reflect the fusion of religion and art, with carvings depicting gods, goddesses, celestial beings, and daily life, offering insights into India’s cultural history.

The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is considered the most remarkable temple in Khajuraho. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for its intricate sculptures, stunning architectural design, and artistic depictions of deities, celestial nymphs, and symbolic carvings.