Khajuraho Dance Festival - खजुराहो नृत्य महोत्सव
|
The Khajuraho Festival of Dance is a week long event, that attracts the best of India's classical dancers who perform in the midst of the thousand year old temples at Khajuraho, built by the Chandella Kings. Every year in March, these splendid temples are floodlit and become a wonderful backdrop for the dances.
Khajuraho has made a distinctive place for itself amongst the major tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh primarily for two reasons. The captivating temples of Khajuraho reflective of remarkable architectural and sculptural dexterity are its greatest draw followed closely by the Khajuraho Dance Festival. The Dance Festival at Khajuraho is attended by dance lovers not only from different corners of the country but also from parts of the world.
The small village of Khajuraho situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, lies 395 Km southeast of Agra. Once the religious capital of Chandela dynasty, one of the powerful Rajput dynasties of Central India, Khajuraho is now famous for it's enchanting temples and it's legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The week- long festival of classical dances is held every year in February/March against the spectacular backdrop of the magnificently lit temples.
The multi hued culture of our land is manifested in various art forms like music and dance. The Khajuraho Dance Festival helps us to get a glimpse of this rich cultural heritage of our country. At the Dance Festival in Khajuraho, one can witness the enthralling performances of several talented classical dancers.
The temples, classified into three groups-the western group, the eastern group, and the southern group are beautifully sculptured in stone and more than a thousand years old. The sculptures reflect mainly the life, moods and religious faith of that time.
This cultural festival highlights the richness of the various Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali with performances of some of the best exponents in the field. Modern Indian dance has also been added recently. The dances are performed in an open air auditorium, usually in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, belonging to the western group. Along with the renowned performers, a number of craftsmen display their crafts to the visitors. There is an open market where local articles are there for sale. Khajuraho Dance Festival is conducted as a celebration of the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples and preserving it for the coming generation.
Dancers from various parts of the country put up absolutely magnificent performances. One will surely be amazed at the variety of dances which include Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. Of late, several contemporary dance forms like modern ballads have also been included in the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
The programmes are held against the backdrop of the well illuminated temples. If we trace the origin and development of Indian Classical Dance and Music in India, the unique contribution of the temples can never be undermined. Diverse forms of classical dance attained mellowness in the temples. It is for this reason that the temple premises were thought to be the best venue for hosting this prestigious dance festival.
It is indeed a privilege to be witnessing the shows that are put up by the classical dancers in an open air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta temple and the Vishwanatha Temple. They are simply brilliant in their respective fields and the shows are riveting.
The Khajuraho Dance Festival is thus an excellent platform for these talented artistes to showcase their talents. Many craftsmen also get the chance to exhibit their articles which are sold to the visitors. Words fail to describe the absolutely mesmerizing performances put up by two adroit performers each evening.
Time for Celebrating Festivals the Khajuraho Dance Festival The Khajuraho Dance Festival is held each year in the months of February and March. This extravagant event lasts for seven days and is the nation's pride and glory.
Khajuraho has made a distinctive place for itself amongst the major tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh primarily for two reasons. The captivating temples of Khajuraho reflective of remarkable architectural and sculptural dexterity are its greatest draw followed closely by the Khajuraho Dance Festival. The Dance Festival at Khajuraho is attended by dance lovers not only from different corners of the country but also from parts of the world.
The small village of Khajuraho situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, lies 395 Km southeast of Agra. Once the religious capital of Chandela dynasty, one of the powerful Rajput dynasties of Central India, Khajuraho is now famous for it's enchanting temples and it's legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The week- long festival of classical dances is held every year in February/March against the spectacular backdrop of the magnificently lit temples.
The multi hued culture of our land is manifested in various art forms like music and dance. The Khajuraho Dance Festival helps us to get a glimpse of this rich cultural heritage of our country. At the Dance Festival in Khajuraho, one can witness the enthralling performances of several talented classical dancers.
The temples, classified into three groups-the western group, the eastern group, and the southern group are beautifully sculptured in stone and more than a thousand years old. The sculptures reflect mainly the life, moods and religious faith of that time.
This cultural festival highlights the richness of the various Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali with performances of some of the best exponents in the field. Modern Indian dance has also been added recently. The dances are performed in an open air auditorium, usually in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, belonging to the western group. Along with the renowned performers, a number of craftsmen display their crafts to the visitors. There is an open market where local articles are there for sale. Khajuraho Dance Festival is conducted as a celebration of the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples and preserving it for the coming generation.
Dancers from various parts of the country put up absolutely magnificent performances. One will surely be amazed at the variety of dances which include Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. Of late, several contemporary dance forms like modern ballads have also been included in the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
The programmes are held against the backdrop of the well illuminated temples. If we trace the origin and development of Indian Classical Dance and Music in India, the unique contribution of the temples can never be undermined. Diverse forms of classical dance attained mellowness in the temples. It is for this reason that the temple premises were thought to be the best venue for hosting this prestigious dance festival.
It is indeed a privilege to be witnessing the shows that are put up by the classical dancers in an open air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta temple and the Vishwanatha Temple. They are simply brilliant in their respective fields and the shows are riveting.
The Khajuraho Dance Festival is thus an excellent platform for these talented artistes to showcase their talents. Many craftsmen also get the chance to exhibit their articles which are sold to the visitors. Words fail to describe the absolutely mesmerizing performances put up by two adroit performers each evening.
Time for Celebrating Festivals the Khajuraho Dance Festival The Khajuraho Dance Festival is held each year in the months of February and March. This extravagant event lasts for seven days and is the nation's pride and glory.
