Khajuraho is an ancient and historic town in the state of Madhya Pradesh; renowned for its fascinating and intrinsic artwork. The town is also famous for the annual Khajuraho Dance festival. This year the festival will commence from 20th Feb and will continue till Feb 26th, marking its 48th anniversary.
As per the latest reports, the festival will be inaugurated by Mr Mangubhai C. Patel, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh. Ms Usha Thakur, Tourism, Culture and Spirituality Minister, Mr Om Prakash Sakhlecha, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister, and MP Mr Vishnu Dutt Sharma will also be present for the inauguration.
The key highlights of the festival
Renowned dancers from various parts of India and even abroad perform at the festival. Different forms of classical dance like Kathak, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Mohiniattam will be presented, inviting music and dance lovers to witness and enjoy.
The artists will be presented with two awards - the National Kalidas Award and the Madhya Pradesh State Rupankar Kala Reward. Several events will be organised during the festival themed on the cultural landscape of the various Indian dance forms.
An exhibition will be hosted on art and travel with special focus on Kathak-Nepathya. The art and craft of various other countries will be also be displayed. You can even engage into conversations with the art scholars and artists in different pavilions.
Mr Manoj Shrivastava, Principal Secretary, Department of Culture, stated, "This year, the Art Mart (which is part of the festival) would showcase paintings of international artists from Germany, France and China among other countries."
The significance of the venue for the dance festival
The town of Khajuraho is twined with ancient mythological events and legends. Its history is precious, adorned with spectacular artworks which has amazed many travellers and history lovers. The town serves as an ideal spot for the dance festival.
Located in the Chhatarpur district, the temple town portrays the beauty of the Indian dance culture and tradition. "This festival of classical dances and other forms of art is held annually against the spectacular backdrop of the magnificently-lit Khajuraho temples in Chhatarpur district," as stated by Mr Shrivastava.
All the dances are performed in an open- air auditorium. The stage is usually in front of the Chitragupta Temple for the Sun God and the Vishwanatha Temple for Lord Shiva.
The notable performers of this year's festival
On the opening day, the festival will be initiated by dance performances of students of Late Pandit Birju Maharaj and Shanta - VP Dhananjayana and team.
On the second day, the audience will be entertained with Odissi dance performance by Sujata Mohapatra, Bharatnatyam and Kathak by Nirupama Rajendra, and Kuchipudi group dance led by Jay Ramarao.
On the third day, there will be special dance events like Mohiniyattam by Neena Prasad, Bharatnatyam group dance led by Parshvnath Upadhyay, and Kathak by Tina Tambe.
On the fourth day, Kathak will be presented by Sonia Parchure, a mix of Kathakali and Bharatnatyam by Kalamandalam Sunil and Paris Lakshmi, Kathak and Udarta Netuma by Ragini Nagar and Danuka Ariyawansa.
On the fifth day, the audience will love to watch Bharatnatyam by Sandhya Purecha and team, Kathak by Shraveri Jamenis and team, and Kuchipudi group dance under the guidance of Vasant Kiran.
On the sixth day, there will be Kathak performances by Nayanika Ghosh and Group and Devika Devendra S. Manglamukhi. The audience will also enjoy Odissi dance by Rudraksh Foundation.
On the last day, group Kathak dance will be presented by Shama Bhate and team, group Manipuri dance by Tapasya and a mix of Bharatnatyam and Kathak by Shweta Devendra and Kshama Malviya.
The Khajuraho dance festival is a wonderful opportunity to watch the enthralling dance performances by the prominent dance artists from India and even abroad. With the dances being held at the temple premises, the entire atmosphere transforms into a divine state.
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