Khajuraho Dance Festival

About Khajuraho
Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for it's enchanting temples and it's legendary Khajuraho dance festival. Sculptured erotically the temples of this place are known all over the world. The sculpture reflects mainly the life, moods and religious faith of that time. The temples are dedicated to Gods and Goddesses like Shiva, Jagadamba and Vishnu.

The place is a small town located in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh in India famed for a complex of exquisite Hindu and Jain temples. Built during the reigns of the mighty Chnadela rulers in the 9th and 10th century, carvings on these temples are highly erotic and sensual depicting in graceful forms intimate scenes of the whole range of human emotions and relationships. These sculptures congeal in stone a lyrical paean to love and passion and reflect the Chandela dynasty's immense appreciation for art.

In all 85 temples were built in Khajuraho, but only 22 are left to speak of the grandeur of conception of the rulers and architects of the day. The basic ground plan of the temples of Khajuraho is almost a textbook example of Hindu temple architecture consisting of four compartments: an entrance porch (ardhamandap), the vestibule (antarala) and the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). In some of the large temples an extra mandap with lateral transepts is added for size and splendour, converting it into a large assembly hall. The temples rest on a risen open platform, a distinctive feature of the Khajuraho temples, with subsidiary shrines at the four corners of the platform in the bigger temples.

The Dance Festival
Khajuraho Dance Festival is held every spring in the town of Khajuraho in order to celebrate the glory of the temples. It is believed that classical dance basically comes from the Hindu temples and attained it's maturity. This Festival is a cultural festival for the celebration of the Indian arts- dance and music handling down from generation to generation. The Khajuraho Festival of Dances shows the best classical dancers and dances in the country. It is held during the month of March from 6th to 12th. Different classical dances are presented during this festival, like the -Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri etc. The main idea behind Khajuraho Dance Festival is to make the cultural heritage of Khajuraho relevant to the present society and preserving it for the coming generation. On this occasion a number of renowned artists and craftsmen participates in the workshop and seminar and present their art to the numerous visitors and tourist. And during this seven days festival, there is also a market in an open field where the visitors can get the entire local made articles of Khajuraho. This festival is known not only in our country but also to the outside world at large.

KHAJURAHO - How to Reach

By Air
Khajuraho is connected by Air with Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi.

By Rail
The nearest railheads are Harpalpur (94 km) and Mahoba (63 km). Country buses and tongas take you to Khajuraho. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Bhopal stops at Jhansi (172 km from Khajuraho). Satna, 117 km away, is convenient for travelers from Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata, and Varanasi. Taxis and buses are available from here. Delhi – Jhansi journey by Shatabdi Exp. And then drive to Khajuraho by surface is most accepted by the travelers.

By Road
Direct bus services connect Khajuraho with Panna, Satna, Chattarpur, Jabalpur, Mahoba, Bhopal, Gwalior, and Indore. For local transport, cycle rickshaws, tongas, and taxis are available.

Hotels in Khajuraho
1. Taj Chandela
2. Jass Oberoi
3. Clarks Khajuraho
4. Holiday Inn
5. Greenwood

For Travel information and reservations please contact:
Tel.: +(91)-(11)-25515120, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25541461 Or
email us at: minar@del2.vsnl.net.in