The Cultural Extravaganza At Khajuraho

Khajuraho is now only famous for its enchanting temples but is also known worldwide for its legendary annual dance festival. The week- long festival of classical dances is held every year in the month of February and March against the spectacular backdrop of the magnificently lit temples.

Different performers from all over the country, who have made a mark in their respective fields, come to perform here at Khajuraho. Dancers from abroad also perform during this week long festival in Madhya Pradesh. Live performances of classical dances like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri and Mohniattam are the major attractions of the festival. The Khajuraho Dance Festival is internationally recognized by international dancers and academies. A large number of foreign tourists come to India for a culturally enriched show of classical dances like Khajuraho Festival of Dances.

Khajuraho Dance Festival is conducted as a celebration of the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples and preserving it for the coming generation.

This cultural extravaganza is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department and is promoted as one of the major cultural event in Khajuraho. This cultural event takes place at an open-air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta Temple. The Chitragupta temple was built thousands of years ago and is a dedication to the Sun god apart from the Chitragupta temples the Khajuraho Dance festival is also organized at the Vishwanatha Temple that is a dedication to Lord Shiva.

This dance festival became a yearly phenomenon from the year 2002. The temple complex also bears a different appearance during this period. The temple itself depicts various forms of court performances and dance performance in this atmosphere is even more befitting.

Apart from the dance festival, the cultural fair organized here also attracts due attention. A number of craftsmen also display their crafts to the visitors during this weeklong festival. There is an open market where local articles are there for sale. Local artisans with different kinds of artifacts and souvenirs exhibit as well as sell their arts in an open market very close to the dance festival venue. This art fair does not only give recognition to the local art form and livelihood to the local artisans, it also helps in spreading the popularity of the art to the places beyond the geographical boundaries.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival thus acts as a celebration of the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples as well as its magnificent local art for the coming generation.