Held every year from 25th February to 2nd March,
Khajuraho Dance Festival takes place at the open-air auditorium in front
of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to the Sun God and the Vishwanatha
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. They are situated in the Western Group
of temples, which is the largest, well maintained and most easily
accessible temple group of Khajuraho. Started regularly since 2002, this
weeklong festival has already become legendary with its outlandish
classical dance performances presented in a dreamlike setting of
splendidly illuminated temples. Khajuraho temples present sculptures
depicting various skills and arts of courtly love including dance and
music in stone and what venue can be more befitting to hold the cultural
festival highlighting the various classical dances of India! Some of the best artists and performers that have marked themselves in their fields come from the various states of India to participate in the festival and the performances including some of the best known dance styles such as the intricate footwork of Kathak, highly stylized and sophisticated Bharathanatyam, soft lyrical temple dance of Odissi, the dance dramas of Kuchipudi, Manipuri, the dance of rare and ancient civilization and Kathakali stage fights with elaborate masks. Recently, modern Indian dances have also found their place in the Khajuraho Dance festival. Along with the dance performances one can also see a number of craftsmen trading off their indigenous arts and crafts to the visitors.
