Khajuraho Dance Festival
There's more to Khajuraho than erotic carvings on temple walls, and this week-long
festival of classical dances, held in February/March each year proves it.
All the classical dance traditions - Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi,
Manipuri and Kathakali - are on show, against the spectacular backdrop of
the magnificently lit temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Modern Indian
dance has also been added recently. The dances are performed by some of the
best exponents in the field, 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. They bring
alive the former religious capital of Chandela dynasty, one of the powerful
Rajput dynasties of Central India.
Along with the renowned performers, a number of craftsmen display their wares
at an open market.
