Khajuraho Dance Festival: Khajuraho was once the religious capital of the Chandela dynasty, a powerful Rajput dynasty that ruled Central India from Khajuraho between the 10th & 12th centuries. It is now famous for its magnificent stone temples that are decorated with thousands of erotic sculptures.
The Khajuraho Dance Festival is a week-long festival of classical dances and is held every year in February/March against the spectacular backdrop of the Temples of Khajuraho.
This cultural festival of India highlights the richness of the various Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharathnatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathakali and Modern Indian dance with performances by the best dancers in India. Along with the renowned performers, a number of craftsmen display their goods to visitors in an open market.
The dances are performed in an open-air auditorium, usually in front of the Chitragupta Temple (dedicated to Surya the Sun God) or the Vishwanath Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva). These temples are part of the Western Group of temples; the largest, most well maintained and easily accessible temple group of Khajuraho. The temple are illuminated with unique lighting for this event, serving as an ancient and grand backdrop for the performances.
The Khajuraho Dance Festival is conducted as a celebration of the cultural heritage of the Khajuraho Temples and is dedicated to preserving them for the coming generations.