It’s a weeklong festival featuring most of the prominent Indian classical dances like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi, Kathakaliand even some International dances from around the world. With the number of foreign tourists present, it was evident to me that the festival is quite popular internationally, and not only amongst the regular tourists but also among the academies. I was surprised to find so many professors of arts from international universities who had come especially for the festival. And, as expected all the leading performers of Indian classical dances were present too. It truly turned out to be a one stop destination for all the arts aficionados.

1. Celebrate India – Khajuraho Dance Festival with Yatra.com
In all my travel experiences I have learnt one thing about India that the millions of tourists who
visit India from around the world do not just come in search of India; they come looking for the
true exotic India. And, with the metropolitans and cities becoming increasingly crammed with
shopping malls and highways, the spirit of that mysteriously exotic India has receded deep into
the untouched interiors of the country. One such place is Khajuraho inMadhya Pradesh, right in
the heart of this magnificent country. And, the word ‘exotic’ takes on a whole new dimension in
this place. To top it all, if you happen to be an art lover, you are in one hell of a treat especially,
if you happen to visit the place during the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
Khajuraho is undoubtedly one of the most exciting
tourist destinations in the entire country and it is so
because of its world famous temples which are also
recognized amongst the UNESCO World Heritage
sites. The Hindu and Jain temples of Khajuraho are
the epitome of ancient Indian architecture and
sculpture. The thing that makes the sculpture so
special and unique is that the carvings all around the
temple are erotic depictions of the Kamasutra. It is
this depiction of the forbidden art through another
art form that makes the Khajuraho temples so
unique throughout the world. And, it is under the
gaze of these extraordinary sculptures and stars that
the Dance festival takes place in the open courtyards
of the temples.
It’s a weeklong festival featuring most of the prominent Indian classical dances like Kathak,
Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi, Kathakaliand even some International dances
from around the world. With the number of foreign tourists present, it was evident to me that
the festival is quite popular internationally, and not only amongst the regular tourists but also
among the academies. I was surprised to find so many professors of arts from international
universities who had come especially for the festival. And, as expected all the leading
performers of Indian classical dances were present too. It truly turned out to be a one stop
destination for all the arts aficionados.
I salute the ingenuity of the one who thought of the entire concept because I was absolutely
spell bound by the entire experience. I mean they couldn’t have chosen a better place to hold

2. the festival. The ancient temple with its intricate carvings, illuminated by the colorful lightings,
under the stars in the night sky, occupied by the hypnotized audience and captivated by the
magical performers is an experience like no other. I can say with absolute certainty that no
cultural festival that I have ever been to (and I HAVE been to quite a few) holds a candle to this
one.
I was glad that there is not much else to see and do in Khajuraho because I was so caught up
with the performances and the people that had there been more to Khajuraho, I would have
surely missed it out and then cursed myself over it. There are numerous temples within the
complex that I did manage to see during the course of the festival. And, believe me once I really
got around to seeing them all, I mean REALLY seeing them in all their detail, one week seemed
way too short. If I have to sum up my whole experience in one line for all of you; I can only say
that not even a thousand lines will be enough, let alone one.
This is Joy signing off,
Wishing you a Happy travel,
Until next time,
Ciao.