Khajuraho Dance Festival

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is an annual performing-arts festival in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, devoted primarily to Indian classical dance. Its main performances are presented near the Western Group of the Khajuraho temples, creating a setting where living performance traditions meet a major heritage site. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The programme commonly includes Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Mohiniyattam, alongside other classical and cultural presentations. The festival is organised by the Department of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh, with support from Madhya Pradesh Tourism. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

• February — The festival is generally held during February.
• Festival week — The main programme traditionally runs for about seven days.

Classical dance — The festival provides a major public platform for Indian classical dance traditions and their performers.

Art and heritage — Its setting connects contemporary performance with the artistic traditions represented by the Khajuraho temples, whose sculptures include numerous depictions of musicians, dancers and performers.

Cultural continuity — Presenting established dance traditions alongside contemporary interpretations allows classical performance practices to remain part of an active cultural life.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival was established in the 1970s under the cultural administration of Madhya Pradesh. It developed as a platform for presenting Indian classical dance in the surroundings of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments and has continued as an annual festival. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Over time, the festival has expanded beyond its principal dance programme to include exhibitions, discussions, workshops and other cultural activities, while retaining classical dance as its central focus. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Performers — Classical dancers present solo and group works, accompanied by traditional musical ensembles and vocalists.

Audiences — Visitors attend evening performances and may explore related cultural activities, exhibitions and heritage experiences associated with the festival.

Organisers and cultural institutions — Government cultural bodies and tourism authorities coordinate performances and supporting programmes around the main festival.

The festival generally begins with an opening programme followed by a sequence of evening classical dance performances. Different dance traditions are presented across the festival week, with accompanying musicians providing live rhythmic and melodic support. Alongside the stage programme, visitors may encounter exhibitions, craft displays, discussions, workshops and other cultural activities, depending on the edition.

Khajuraho — The festival is centred on the Western Group of the Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh, making the historic temple complex an important part of the event's visual and cultural setting. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Madhya Pradesh — The festival also provides a window into regional crafts, cuisine and cultural activities, linking the classical stage programme with the wider heritage of the state.

• Classical dance recitals
• Live traditional musical accompaniment
• Opening and ceremonial performances
• Dance workshops and artistic discussions
• Handicraft and art exhibitions
• Heritage walks and cultural activities

Khajuraho temples — The carved temple architecture provides the festival's distinctive heritage setting and reflects a long association between the site and the performing arts.

Ghungroo — Bells worn around the ankles by many classical dancers make rhythmic footwork audible and visible.

Mudras — Hand gestures form an important part of classical Indian dance vocabulary, helping convey ideas, characters and emotions.

Classical instruments — Instruments such as tabla, pakhawaj, flute, violin and other accompanying instruments support rhythm, melody and dramatic expression.

• The festival is held in Khajuraho, whose Group of Monuments is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The event has been organised annually since the 1970s and has developed into a major platform for Indian classical dance. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• The main venue is associated with the Western Group of Khajuraho temples. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Programmes commonly feature Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Mohiniyattam, among other dance traditions. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• The festival has included supporting activities such as art exhibitions, craft displays, discussions, workshops and heritage experiences.
• Khajuraho's temples were built under the Chandela dynasty and are renowned for their detailed sculptural decoration.