Khajuraho Dance Festival 2024 takes place for seven days. The festival will occur in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The event will start in the month of February. This dance festival shows traditional dance forms against the splendid Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, rich culture, rituals, heritage, and traditions have occurred.
Date of Khajuraho Dance Festival
This year, it will start on 20th February 2024 and ends on 26th February 2024. Live performances of different dance forms have happened, which include Odissi, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Bharatanatyam. Famous Indian classical dancers perform these dances. Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad organizes the Khajuraho dance festival.
Major Attractions & Significance of Khajuraho Dance in India
#1. The renowned temples of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh are mainly famous for their archaeological excellence. These temples were established during the Chandela Dynasty. The temples of Khajuraho have a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. Check out the top 10 facts about Khajuraho Temple.
#2. The temple is very popular among tourists who are coming to India for their cultural tours. During the month of February to March, the Khajuraho dance festival is organized every year. The festival is held at open-air auditoriums in the two most famous Khajuraho temples: the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Surya (the sun god) and the Vishwanatha Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
#3. Famous classical dancers from all over India perform during this festival at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The ultimate aim of organizing this festival is to promote cultural heritage and traditional dances all over India.
#4. There are some dancers who come from abroad to participate in the Khajuraho dance festival in Madhya Pradesh. Internationally, this festival is recognized by international dancers and academies.
#5. Major attractions of the Khajuraho dance festival are: – live performances of classical dances like Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohinattam. A large number of foreign tourists visited India at the time of the Khajuraho dance festival.
The dancers’ dance comprises intricate foot skills of Kathak, the poetic temple dance of Odissi, and the Kathakali stage fights with elaborated masks. The performances coincide with the musical strains of the flute and tanpura, rhythms of beats of the mridangam, and table reflected by the dancers’ ghungroo.
#6. The Khajuraho dance festival, apart from cultural dance performances, provides homage to some of the unnamed artists who brought to life the exquisite carvings of Khajuraho. The immortalized carvings resemble the remembrance of the heritage that stands in the ruin of time, and their glory still shines through and draws visitors from all over the world.
#7. The people visit the Khajuraho during the time of dance festivals. Individuals enjoy various dance forms from all over India. These dances come from different cultures, but one thing is common in every dance form: the mass display of human emotions in various styles.
Check also folk dance of Karnataka: Exploring Karnataka’s Rich Folk Dance Heritage
Way to reach the Khajuraho Dance Festival
By Air: Khajuraho city is well connected by air. It consists of a domestic airport, which is 12 km away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buses, taxis, and cabs are also available frequently.
By Rail: The Khajuraho has its railway station. The railway station is situated in the heart of the town. Buses, cabs, and taxis are available from the station.
By Road: The Khajuraho has smooth connectivity of roads from all over India. The state owns its buses, AC and non-AC taxis, and private vehicles.
Tips for visiting the Khajuraho dance festival
People should hire a guide who will understand the history and symbolism of the carvings on Khajuraho temples and inform them about the various dance forms.
About different dance forms that are performed during the Khajuraho dance festival:
Mohiniattam:
This dance form originated in the southern state of Kerala. This is the classical Indian dance based on the Lasya style, i.e., defined in Natya Shastra, a graceful, feminine, and solo dance performance that the artist acted on the beat of Carnatic music. The name Mohiniattam derives from the name Mohini, who is a female avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Bharatanatyam:
It is one of the Indian oldest classical dance forms. This dance form is performed solo, usually by a distinguishable woman by the signature bent leg position required during most of its steps. It is developed in Tamil Nadu, and the style is based on quick footwork and elaborate hand, eye, and facial gestures; all these narrate a story from Hindu religious texts.
Manipuri:
The name Manipuri is derived from its place of origin, i.e., Manipur. The state is located in northeastern India. The dance form is also recognized as Jagoi. This dance style is mainly known for portraying the theme of Ras Leela. It is a dance drama that is based on the love between Lord Krishna and Radha.
Odissi:
This dance style was founded in the Hindu temples of Odisha, a state in eastern India. This dance form is a traditional dance-drama where the artist plays out an ancient Hindu text or religious poem.
Kathakali:
It is one of the popular dance form styles practiced commonly in modern-day India, namely the Kathakali style. It is also known as the Kathak style. This dance form is done with colorful make-up, head masks, and well-dressed costumes. It is mostly enacted with Hindu folk mythologies.
Kuchipudi:
The name Kuchipudi originated from the village name Kuchipudi located in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This dance form is rooted in the disquisition of Natya Shastra. It is closely associated with religious art.
Learn more about the popular dance form of the Indian state.
- Traditional Dance Form of Karnataka
- Popular Folk Dances of Tamilnadu
- Popular Folk Dances of Meghalaya
- Popular Folk Dances of Jammu
- 10 Types of Punjabi Folk Dance
- List of Popular folk dances of Rajasthan
CONCLUSION
The Khajuraho dance festival is a huge event. It has much importance. It represents all the forms of dances, which signifies the traditions and cultures of India. A large number of people visited this event and enjoyed it a lot. During the time of the Khajuraho dance festival, the city is full of crowds.
Tourists especially visit this place at the time of the event. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temples of Khajuraho have their significance. Dancers prepare their dance for many days for this performance.
In seven days, people can experience and can see all the dance forms of India. Visitors came along with their families and became a part of this outstanding event.
More about Madhya Pradesh:
- Top 10 Popular Forts in Madhya Pradesh
- 10 Facts About Khajuraho Temple, Madhya Pradesh
- 10 Best Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh in April
- Top 6 Hill Stations In Madhya Pradesh
- 9 Best Wildlife National Parks in Madhya Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh Food: Top 10 Must-Eat Local Dishes
- 20 Best Places to See in Madhya Pradesh
