International Dancers at the Khajuraho Dance Festival

The Khajuraho Dance Festival - A Celebration of Culture

Every year, during the onset of spring around the end of February and beginning of March, Khajuraho decks up to play host to the majestic dance festival. Renowned artists and their troupes from India and around the world grace the stage of the open auditorium in front of the Chritragupta Temple, dedicated to the Sun God, and the Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The tailored blend of the ancient setting and graceful live performances creates a magical ambience, transporting the audience to a bygone era. The timing of the festival is highly significant as well. Spring symbolizes the replenishment of nature and the creation of new life. It is believed that the Nataraja form of Lord Shiva, the holy deity of dance, created the cosmic bloom during this season.

Dance Forms Performed at the Khajuraho Dance Festival

The performances at the Khajuraho Dance Festival are accompanied by live traditional instruments such as tabla, sitar, sarod, flute, and mridangam creating a melodious symphony. The dancers, adorned in vibrant costumes and intricate jewellery respective to each dance form, captivate the audience with their graceful movements and expressive storytelling. Each dance form has its own unique charm and narrative, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India.

• Bharatanatyam: A classical dance form originating in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Bharatnatyam is known for its elaborate grace and hand gestures, often depicting stories from Hindu mythology. It is performed in a colourful saree or dhoti with broad borders and elaborate golden jewellery.
• Kathak: Originating in the Sultanate and Mughal royal courts of North India, Kathak is characterised by its fast footwork, graceful spins, and fluid movements in rapid rhythms. The attire is the iconic churidar and angrakha for women and dhoti for men with ghungroo mandatory on the feet.
• Odissi: Stemming from Odisha, Odissi is known for sensuous body movements with deflections in three places - head, torso, and body - traditionally called Tribhanga. It is performed in colourful sarees with a broad waistband and headgear.
• Kuchipudi: A traditional dance form from Andhra Pradesh, Kuchipudi is distinct for spirited narratives, quick movements, and dramatic representations. It is performed in the duality of Tandava or masculine energy and Lasya or feminine energy. Pleated sarees and dhotis are the usual garbs for this dance form.
• Manipuri: This dance form is characterized by smooth and fluid-like movements, to the point where the dancers look like they're floating. The unique attire of the form, where the female dancers wear a cylindrical lehenga called kumin under a dress called patloi, further adds drama to the dance form.
• Mohiniyattam: Originating from the state of Kerala, Mohiniyattam is an enchanting classical dance form representing the personalization of Lord Vishnu's female avatar, Mohini. The costume is generally a white saree with red or golden borders.
• Kathakali: Distinguished by elaborate make-up and costumes, Kathakali of Kerala is a 300-year-old dance form that combines the storytelling facets of ballet, masque, pantomime, and opera.

International Dancers at the Khajuraho Dance Festival

The Khajuraho Dance Festival features international performers as well, highlighting the global influence of Indian classical dance forms. Here are some of the notable international performers who have taken part in the festival:

• Astad Deboo: Astad Deboo was an internationally renowned Indian dancer known for his fusion of Indian classical dance forms with modern contemporary dance.
• Sharon Lowen: Sharon Lowen is an American-born dancer based in India for several decades. She is known for her expertise in the classical Indian dance form of Odissi.
• Tetsuro Fukuhara: Tetsuro Fukuhara is a Japanese dancer who has specialized in Bharatanatyam and has performed at the Khajuraho Dance Festival and other Indian dance festivals in the past.
• Barbara Vijayakumar: Barbara Vijayakumar is a German-born dancer trained in the classical Indian dance forms of Bharatanatyam and Kathak.
• Akram Khan: Akram Khan is a British-born dancer who has blended his training in contemporary dance with traditional Indian dance forms. He has performed at the Khajuraho Dance Festival and has been a guest artist with the National Ballet of China and the Paris Opera Ballet, among others.

Khajuraho - Stay, Eat, Visit, Shop

Khajuraho Airport, located just 5 km away, is connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi. It has a railway station and highways connecting the city with nearby locations as well. Along with soaking in the cultural extravaganza of the dance festival, the itinerary can also include visits to the other UNESCO temples, such as Javari, Lakshmana, Jagdamba, Vamana, Varaha, Adinath, Chaturbhuj, Matangeshwar, Dulhadev, and Kandariya Mahadev. The beauty of the wilderness that Khajuraho has to offer should also be explored at Panna National Park, Pandav Waterfall, and Raneh Falls Canyon.

Ajaigarh Fort and Mastani Mahal can be visited for a touch of history. One must enjoy the true-blue Madhya Pradesh street food like pakoras and jalebis from the local vendors. To stay closer to the dance festival venue, one can choose from a wide range of luxury accommodations. The Lalit View Khajuraho, Syna Heritage Hotel, Radisson Khajuraho, Hotel Chandela, and Ramada by Wyndham Khajuraho are some of the more opulent options near Chitragupta Temple. There are several budget hotels and homestays as well. Khajuraho is peppered with several local shops and boutiques that sell modern and antique handmade art and craft items. Pick from a wide range of home decor pieces, textiles, accessories, and souvenirs to carry back as a memory of this beautiful place.

Wrapping Up

Beyond its artistic significance, the festival also fosters a spirit of unity, bringing people together to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Indian culture. A visit to the Khajuraho Dance Festival will not only be entertaining and educational but also inspirational beyond borders.