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Khajuraho dance festival begins in MP
by Narendra Parmar

          Khajuraho (MP): The annual week-long Khajuraho dance festival kick-started in Madhya Pradesh. The classical dance festival in Khajuraho is staged against the backdrop of tenth century temples built by the rulers of the Chandella dynasty. Organized by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, the cultural extravaganza takes place at an open-air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to the Sun God and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Khajuraho Dance Festival, though comparatively a dance festival of recent origin, has already become a legendary festival having earned a great deal of reputation among locals and foreigners. The dances performed here are said to be truly divine with the wonderful backdrop of the sculptures of Khajuraho. The temples are brightly lit and are shimmering with the lights. State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that the government proposes to hold an international event soon at the tourist spot. "Khajuraho is a reflection of the entire human lifestyle. It is a reflection of the Indian cultural heritage, it is a story in itself, and it is a way of living life. To promote this place as a tourist spot, we are thinking of ways to improve the festival. We are also proposing an international event soon after the elections and after the rainy season," said Chauhan. Among the Indian classic dances portrayed during the festival include Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi and Manipuri. The best performers of these dance forms are specially invited to the festival. The festival offers an opportunity for amatuer artists too to rub shoulders with the exponents. For many of them, a performance in Khajuraho is the opportunity of a lifetime. "This place is really very pure. The feeling of performing here is really good. The audience and ambience is good," said Kasturi, an artist. A cluster of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Temples dating back to 950-1050 AD, known for its erotic sculptures, has endowed Khajuraho with international fame and recognition. The festival was started by the Madhya Pradesh Government in 1975 and now entices the whole world.
-Mar 1, 2009

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