 |
| Celebrating 50 Glorious Years- Khajuraho Dance Festival |
On February 20th, 2024, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the grand golden jubilee edition of the renowned Khajuraho Dance Festival, marking half a century of India's esteemed cultural extravaganza that commenced in 1975.
This week-long celebration aims to promote and uphold the diverse dance forms, artists, culture, and heritage of India, showcasing a mesmerizing array of classical dance styles including Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniattam.
The star-studded inaugural ceremony witnessed acclaimed dancers, led by the illustrious Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan, kickstarting the festivities amidst the breathtaking Western temple complexes of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A notable highlight of the event was the record-breaking Kathak ensemble performance, featuring 1,484 artists led by Shovana Narayan and Spanish dancer Antonia, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest Kathak dance ensemble.
Over the span of five decades, the Khajuraho Dance Festival has played a pivotal role in preserving India's ancient dance traditions, reviving rare styles, and offering a spectacular visual feast to enthusiasts and tourists against the backdrop of Khajuraho's magnificent temples.
Furthermore, the festival has significantly contributed to the cultural tourism landscape of Madhya Pradesh, enhancing global visibility and revenue potential through improved connectivity and world-class venues.
Organized by the Department of Culture with the support of Madhya Pradesh Tourism, the festival is held annually in the historical city of Khajuraho, situated in the district of Chhatarpur. It attracts top artists and exponents of various Indian dance forms from across the country, showcasing a diverse range of classical and folk dances, including those indigenous to Madhya Pradesh.
The Western Group of temples, renowned for their Nagara style architecture and intricate carvings, serves as a captivating backdrop for the festival, merging spirituality, history, architecture, music, and dance into a singular experience. Notably, the temples, built between 885 CE and 1000 CE by the Chandela dynasty, reflect a blend of Hindu and Jain architectural marvels, with the Jain temples situated in the east-southeast region of the Khajuraho complex. The iconic 'Sandhya Tandava' dance of Lord Shiva finds extensive sculptural representation among these architectural wonders.
In essence, the Khajuraho Dance Festival stands as a testament to India's rich cultural heritage, serving as a beacon of artistic excellence and a celebration of the timeless art of dance for enthusiasts worldwide.