If there’s one place in Madhya Pradesh that deserves more attention for its history and culture, it has to be Khajuraho. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts plenty of visitors, especially history buffs. However, if you’re here in Khajuraho, you must also not miss out on Khajuraho Dance Festival!
The cultural fest starts from 20th February to 26th February 2025.
Khajuraho Dance Festival 2025: All That You Need To Know
Khajuraho Dance Festival History
The cultural extravaganza is organized by the Department of Culture and assisted by Madhya Pradesh Tourism. This six-day event is hosted in an open-air auditorium in front of the famous Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanath Temple.
The brightly lit temples, paired with spellbinding dance performances by artists from across India, make the festival one of a kind.
Khajuraho Festival was inaugurated in 1975, and it is set to enter its 51st year in 2025, making it even more special for visitors and performers.
Since its inception in 1975, the Culture Department through Ustad Alauddin’s Music and Art Academy, Bhopal, organizes the Khajuraho Dance Festival in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Patan Department and the Archaeological Survey of India.
Khajuraho Dance Festival 2025
This year, the festival will celebrate its 51st year anniversary. Khajuraho Dance Festival 2025 will feature several artists and dance troupes from across India. These artists will perform several classical dances of our country such as Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathak, and others.
Beyond the dances, the festival will also boast of different other events such as Kala-Varta – a panel discussion among artists, Hunar – an exposition of traditional art forms, as well as film screenings.
This year, the festival will also feature a Khajuraho Baal Nritya Mahotsav meant for children between the ages of 10 to 16. The dance event aims to promote and foster India’s vibrant dance heritage in its new generations.
Here, you can also explore the Art Mart, a vibrant marketplace for collecting the most elaborate handicrafts from some of the most skilled artisans across India.
The Art Mart is a great place to shop for some exquisite handicrafts and souvenirs to take back home from Khajuraho.
Dance: An Important Heritage Art Form In Indian Culture
Dance as an art form is immensely valued in Indian culture. The country has a rich heritage of different classical as well as folk dances These include Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Orissi, and Kuchipudi, as well as Ghoomar, Tarpa, Gidda, Bhangra, Garba.
Moreover, dance finds special significance in Hindu culture as Lord Shiva, an important deity in the Hindu Pantheon, is said to be the Lord of Dance. His Nataraja form is worshipped by artists as he is considered to be the deity of music and dance.
Temple Hopping In Khajuraho
Now that you’re in Khajuraho, you must explore the plenty of temples in this historical city. The Chandela Dynasty considered Khajuraho as their religious capital and built about 85 temples here. Today, about 22 of them remain to provide a glimpse into the rich history of this place.
Here are a few must-visit temples in Khajuraho that we highly recommend checking out:
- Vamana Temple
- Javari Temple
- Chaturbhui Temple
- Chausath Yogini Temple
- Lakshmana Temple
- Devi Jagdamba Temple
Many of these temples are centuries old and some are in a run-down situation. However, the temple complexes are characterized by their grand architecture representing the Nagara Style of Architecture. This style is known for its towering shikharas and smaller spires.
Also, the temples here are known for their intricate and meticulously detailed sculptures. In fact, the much talked about Devi Jagdamba Temple has plenty of erotic sculptures that represent various sexual practices and poses!
How To Reach Khajuraho
By Air
There are direct flights available from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai to Khajuraho. The airport is hardly 3 kilometers away from the city center.
By Rail
There are several trains running from important railway junctions in India such as Dadar Terminus (Mumbai), Hazrat Nizamuddin Junction (Delhi), and Kurukshetra Junction (Haryana). Trains from these junctions halt at the Khajuraho Junction and you can easily get a cab or bus to reach the city center from here.
By Road
The historic city enjoys excellent road connectivity within Madhya Pradesh, as well as throughout the country. Madhya Pradesh Tourism runs several buses from cities like Indore, Mahoba, Satna, Bhopal, and Jhansi to Khajuraho.
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Summing Up
This dance festival in Khajuraho from 20th February to 26th February 2025 is set to be a grand affair.
From mesmerizing dance performances to a vibrant handicraft market, Khajuraho has a lot to offer, especially if you’re into all things history, art, and culture. So, when are you visiting the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. In Which Month Khajuraho Dance Festival Is Held?
The Khajuraho Dance Festival is hosted in the month of February, between 20 and 26 February.
Q2. How Many Days Are Required To Visit Khajuraho?
You can explore the entirety of Khajuraho in just 2 days. It has plenty of temple complexes, significant in both Hindu and Jain religions.
Q3. What Language Is Spoken In Khajuraho?
Hindi is the most common language spoken in Khajuraho, so most of you wouldn’t face a language barrier when you visit Khajuraho.
