Khajuraho Dance Festival to celebrate Golden Jubilee Year
More than 1,500 artists will perform in “Kathak Kumbh” to set a world record on 25th February 2024
image for illustrative purpose
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board will organise various activities during the 50th Khajuraho Dance Festival on 20-26 February, 2024.The Golden Jubilee Year celebration of the country's rich culture and heritage is going to begin from 20th February in the form of Khajuraho Dance Festival. The land of UNESCO World Heritage Site Khajuraho will once again resonate with dignified presentations of classical dance.
The eminent classical dancers coming from all over the country to the land of Bundela will enthrall with the sound of their Ghunghrus and their footsteps. Khajuraho Dance Festival began 1975 which gives the pride of celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year. To make this achievement special and memorable, “Kathak Kumbh” is going to be organized by the Culture Department.
On the first day, around 1,500 to 2,000 Kathak dance artists will create a "world record" by presenting the mass dance "Kathak Kumbh". Khajuraho Dance Festival is organized every year in Khajuraho by the Culture Department through Ustad Alauddin Khan Music and Art Academy, Madhya Pradesh Culture Council, Bhopal with the contribution of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department and Archeology Department.
This festival will be held till 26th February at the architectural marvel of the Chandela era, the Kandariya Mahadev Temple and Devi Jagadamba Temple inside the Western Temple Group complex.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism and Religious Trusts and Endowments, Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said, “The intent of Khajuraho Dance Festival is not only to preserve the classical dances but also to make the art lovers experience the zenith of art and encourage all the artists associated with it. Apart from the “ Kathak Kumbh”, Layashala will be organized for the first time during the festival, which will be a confluence of adroit gurus of their respective genres of Indian dance styles and their disciples and amazing workshops.”
Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Sheo Shekhar Shukla said, “KDF is one of the renowned dance festival of the country and artists of all the major classical dance styles of India have given their dance performances till now. This year also famous artists from round the corners will be participating. So far, young and senior artists of all the major classical dance styles of India like Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Yakshagana, Manipuri etc have spread the aura of their art in the Khajuraho Dance Festival.”
During the festival, tourists coming to Khajuraho from India and abroad will also get a thrilling experience. M.P. Various exciting activities will be organized by the Tourism Board. For adventure lovers Sky Diving (20-25 February 2024), Camping, Trail Joy Ride, Water Adventure, Speed Boat, Banana Ride, Shikara Baide, Rafting, Village Tour, E-Bike Tour, Raneh Fall Tour, Datla Pahad, Segway Activities like tour, Khajuraho night tour, farm tour will be organized.
Madhya Pradesh Rupankar Art Award/Exhibition and Decoration Madhya Pradesh Rupankar Art Award/ Exhibition and decoration will be held on the inaugural occasion. In this, ten state level awards established by the state government in the name of famous Rupankar artists of the state will be given to the selected artists. The decorated artists will be honored with a certificate of appreciation, shawl and quince along with a prize money.
Various activities including Backstage- Cultural scenario and Kalayatra of Indian dance styles, Kalavarta – Dialogue between artists and artists, Hunar- fair of indigenous knowledge and art tradition, Vartani: Fair of Fine Arts, Samashti: Terracotta and Ceramics National Exhibition-Workshop, Folk dance presentations, Vartani: International Typography, Layshala: Confluence and workshop of disciples with great gurus will take place during the festival.
