Khajuraho Dance Festival, India

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, who 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 Resplendent Backdrop At Dusk
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.