When The Stones Come To Life
Every spring the stones of Khajuraho come to life
during the prestigious 7-day Khajuraho Dance Festival
when the glory of the temples is celebrated with true
fervour and joy. It is a cultural festival for the
celebration of the Indian classical dance and music,
believed to have basically originated in the Hindu
temples. The festival is typical of a new breed of
event, sited at ornate ancient temples to attract
visitors by combining tourism with culture.
Khajuraho Festival of Dances, organised
by Eicher and Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad, draws
the best classical dancers in the country every year,
which perform against the spectacular backdrop of
the floodlit temples. In a setting where the earthly
and the divine create perfect harmony, it is a spectacular
event that celebrates the pure magic of the rich classical
dance traditions of India.
Time for Eclectic Performances
The sleepy town of Khajuraho is transformed during
the pleasant Hindu spring month of Phalguna, corresponding
with the months of February/March, when the festival
of Maha Shivratri draws pilgrims from all over the
region to commemorate the marriage of Shiva. The festival
also sees one of India's premier dance events - the
Khajuraho Festival of Dance, a showcase for all forms
of classical dance. With the international status
under the Government of India Programme categories,
this seven-day extravaganza is a unique treat for
connoisseurs from all over the world.
An Array Of Divine Arts at Khajuraho
The Festival showcases various classical styles of
Indian dance such as Kathak, Bharat Natyam, Odissi,
Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. Modern Indian dance
is a recent addition. Every evening, two accomplished
artists from different genres perform in the open-air
auditorium.
The best classical dancers in the country
perform in an open-air auditorium, with the western
group of Temples as an inspiring and awesome backdrop.
The Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Surya (the sun
god) and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva, form the venue for this cultural rendezvous.
The past and the present silhouetted against the glow
of a setting sun, becomes an exquisite backdrop for
the performers. As dusk falls, the temples are lit
up in a soft, dream-like ethereal stage.
As dusk descends, these temples are
illuminated with shimmering fairy lights and form
dramatic silhouettes against the dark, star-dotted
sky. And it is against this backdrop that the past
and present come together and celebrate the rich tradition
of Indian art.
