khajuraho dance festival

Where the hand goes, there the eyes should follow
Where the eyes are, the mind should follow
Where the mind is, there the expression should be brought out
Where the expression is, there the rasa or flavour will be experienced by the audience.
 - Lines from the Natyakram

 

Khajuraho Dance Festival is one of those festivals of India that all dance lovers eagerly wait for. An annual treat for the connoisseurs of Indian Classical Dances comes at Khajuraho for a week during February or March. It is a grand 7-day extravaganza celebrating Khajuraho’s 1000 years old cultural heritage preserved in its stark stone sculptors. The treasured art forms unfold amidst ethereal settings and not one but all eight forms of Indian Classical dances are performed and This festival of International repute is a destination awaited by connoisseurs, travelers and more so by the performers. In words of a performer, “Every dancer worth her mettle dreams of performing at the Khajuraho festival”. For someone looking forward to a heritage tour of India, timing the visit around the Khajuraho dance festival would be a wise touristic strategy.delineate the spiritual, the intellectual and the social heritage of India.

This cultural festival highlights the richness of various Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. Also, there are performances from some of the best exponents in the field. Apart from the traditional classical dance forms, the modern Indian dance has also made it to the list.

The various forms of dances are performed in an open-air auditorium, which is usually in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Along with the renowned performers, a number of craftsmen display their crafts to the visitors. Also, there is an open market for local articles sale. Khajuraho Dance Festival is conducted in order to celebrate the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples and to preserve them for the upcoming generation.

 Khajuraho Dance Festival 2013 is from February 20 to February 26

It is believed that classical dance is originated from the Hindu temples and attained its maturity. This cultural festival is celebrated to encourage the Indian arts- dance and music, which is driven from one generation to the other.

There is a free entry to all the temples of eastern and southern parts, whereas minimal fee is charged for the temples located in the western part.

Dates: February/ March every year (The dates are 20 - 26 February for the year 2013)

Venue: Westen Group of temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Timings: Daily 7:00 P.M. onwards

Tickets: Seasonal Ticket - INR 600; Daily - INR 100, INR 50, INR 20; Cameras INR 100 per day

Ambedkar-Nagar-Tanda

Ambedkar Nagar is a district in the Faizabad division of Uttar Pradesh. It was formed by the then Chief Minister of the state, Ms Mayawati. The place derives its name from the famous Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. The district basically comprises of rural population. There are approximately 3995 villages in the district of Ambedkar Nagar. Since the district is very scattered, it is divided into nine blocks for convenience. The blocks are - Akbarpur, Baskhari, Bhiti, Bhiyam, Jahagirgani, Jalalpur, Katehari, Ramnager, and Tanda.

The River Tons divides the city of Akbarpur, which is situated on its bank, into Akbarpur and Shazadpur. Shahzadpur is the main commercial area of the city. The River Saryu flows into the district from the northern side. Its waters are used for irrigational purposes by the Tanda, Jahagirgani, Ramnager and Baskhari blocks. The waters of the lakes Devhat and Hanswar are used by Baskhari block for irrigation purpose. . Lake Darvan provides water in the Katehari block. The Akbarpur, Bhiti, Bhiyam, and Jalapur blocks depend upon smaller rivers and seasonal streams.