50th Khajuraho Dance Festival 2024

As the spring slowly replaces the winter mist, the sleepy temple town of Khajuraho wakes up to the Khajuraho Dance Festival. Bringing this titillating town to the top of a wanderer’s wish list, the month of February marks the beginning of this one-of-a-kind cultural festival, that leaves the onlookers open-mouthed. 

Offering an otherworldly experience Khajuraho Festival of Dances is a living specimen of India’s rich historic and culturally diverse tapestry. If you still haven’t been a part of this eclectic experience, it is time to head straight to this theatrical settlement, which is all set to stage the 50th edition of the Khajuraho Festival. 

Khajuraha - A UNESCO World Heritage Site

An eponymous cluster of temples featuring architectural brilliance makes Khajuraho one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Famed the world over for the finest temple art, the layout of the temples showcases a combination of masculine and feminine deities and cyphers that highlight interdependence. The profound artwork that swathes the three groups of temples is symbolic of the cycle of life being dharma, kama, artha, and moksha.

Built between 250 and 1050 AD, by the Chandela Dynasty, as per the historical records, only 25 have survived out of 85 temples. Little is known about this temple's complex through mythical folklores. The nagar-style architecture characterizing jaw-dropping erotic stone sculptures depicting human sensuality makes this mammoth group of temples one of the most riveting heritage sites in the world. 

Khajuraho Dance Festival – Tracing the Roots

Mesmeric and spellbinding are performances at the Khajuraho Dance Festival that set the eyes of the audience reeling while they stand beeline gazing at this mega event. Each year, the month of February witnesses this grandiose episode that unveils at Khajuraho’s majestic temple premises. 

The existence of numerous gods and goddesses mastering music and dance forms has a special mention in the Hindu mythology. Like Shiva’s cosmic dance the “tandava” and “raas leela”, Krishna’s dance with the Gopis. Khajuraho Dance Festival is one such celebration that revels in this divine connection and also rejoices in the age-old Indian classical dance traditions. 

A Grand Spectacle 

Witness the spectacular architectural wonder rise right in front of your eyes as the glowing floodlights bring the cluster of Khajuraho temples to life at dusk. This week-long festival begins every evening attracting herds of art lovers, archaeologists, and history buffs. 

The finest classical dancers and performing artists from across the country come to take part in the Khajuraho Dance Festival. Iconic dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali are staged against the magnificent backdrop of the primordial edifices.

Characterizing a vibe so hypnotic the Khajuraho dance festival comes into play when intriguing artists/ performers (characters in a story) puffed with flashy make-up, dawning gaudy clothes, and rare adornments, thump their feet on rhythmic tunes. Being one with the crowd and feeling the supreme vibrations, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What to Look Forward in Khajuraho

Nothing can match this cultural extravaganza characterizing a striking blend of history, art, and culture that is set to kick off on February 20, 2022, at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. An enduring initiative of Ustad Alauddin Khan Sangeet evam Kala Academy & Madhya Pradesh Government, the Khajuraho Dance Festival is being organized by Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad.  

A boon to Madhya Pradesh Tourism, this spirited Nationally internationally acclaimed festival will stage the purest embodiment of emotions, grace, and nuance of Indian classical dance forms. Apart from the lineup of dance and musical performances, the current edition of the Khajuraho Dance Festival promises to host

• Art – Mart – an exhibition showcasing art from India and abroad
• Kala Varta – a dialogue between artists and lovers of art
• Hunar – exhibition displaying Indian art & traditions
• Chal-Chitr – Screening films based on art, traditions, and artists
• Alankran- Madhya Pradesh State Roopankar Art Award and Exhibition

Other Highlights Include 

• Tours around Khajuraho
• Heritage Run
• Glamping Village Tour
• E-bike Tour
• Water Rafting
• Bundeli Cuisine

There is an entry that is free for all, yet people will be allowed on a first-come-first basis and the programs are subject to change. Please keep a close watch on the updates for the Khajuraho festival 2024.

Must-see attractions in Madhya Pradesh

As the Khajuraho dance festival starts in the evening on all days, travellers have ample time to indulge themselves in some sightseeing. There are plenty of places to visit in Madhya Pradesh during your stay, so don’t miss out on visiting them. 

• Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
• Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum
• Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple
• Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
• Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat
• Bee Falls
• Kanha National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Gohar Mahal
• Queen’s Fort

Top things to do in Madhya Pradesh

Apart from sightseeing, you can also tick off your checklist of top things to do in Madhya Pradesh. 

• Head out for a thrilling wildlife safari and explore the abundant wildlife. 
• Hike to Dhoopgarh, the highest peak of Madhya Pradesh
• Sail across marble rocks at Bhedaghat in Jabalpur
• Try out water sports at Hanuwantiya Tapu
• Enjoy camping in the jungles 
• Raft down the Betwa River at Orchha

As you just read, visiting for the dance festival in Khajuraho can offer you more than just the performances and art.

Where to stay in Madhya Pradesh?

Delight in a comfortable stay at Club Mahindra’s associate property of Bundela Resort in Khajuraho and relax and unwind amidst serene environs. Decked with over-the-top amenities and state-of-the-art facilities the resort is sure to bless you with an enriching and unforgettable stay. 

Don’t miss being a part of the enigma that applauds the sumptuous mix of heritage, art, and culture. Discover the multidimensional face of India with the Khajuraho Dance Festival.