50th Khajuraho Dance Festival to begin from February 20

In Madhya Pradesh, the land of UNESCO World Heritage Site Khajuraho will once again resonate with classical dance performances. The 50th Khajuraho Dance Festival to be organized from 20th February. According to Minister for Culture, Tourism Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, during the week long festival, more than 1500 artistes will create world records in Kathak Kumbh.The sound of Ghunghrus and the footsteps of eminent classical dancers will spread in the atmosphere. M.P. Tourism Board will organize various thrilling and experience based activities, the minister said. Khajuraho Dance Festival started in 1975 and this year it is celebrating its golden jubilee year. To make this achievement special and memorable, Kathak-Kumbh is being organized by the Culture Department, in which on the first day on February 20, 2024, 1500 to 2000 Kathak dance artists will present a mass dance "Kathak-Kumbh". The target has been set to establish a 'world record, he said.
Khajuraho Dance Festival is organized every year by the Culture Department through Ustad Alauddin Khan Music and Art Academy, Madhya Pradesh Culture Council, Bhopal with the participation of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department and Archeology Department. The festival will be held on the huge Muktakashi platform between the Chandela period Kandariya Mahadev Temple and the Devi Jagadamba Temple inside the Western Temple Group complex.
Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture Shiv Shekhar Shukla said, 'The objective of starting the Khajuraho dance festival is not only to preserve the classical dances but also to provide the best experience of art through classical dance to the art lovers and to encourage all the artists associated with it.Apart from the world record, Layashala will be organized for the first time in the festival. In this, there will be a confluence and workshops of disciples with the best gurus of their respective genres of Indian dance styles.
Shukla further said that this is a very famous festival of the country and till now artists of all the major classical dance styles of India have given their dance performances. This year also renowned artists of the country are participating.So far, young and senior artists from all the major classical dance styles of India like Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Yakshagana, Manipuri etc. have spread their art in the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
M.P. Tourists will get the gift of thrill from tourism
During the festival, various activities will enthrall the tourists coming from India and abroad to Khajuraho. M.P. Various exciting activities will be organized by the Tourism Board. To thrill the tourists, Sky Diving, Camping, Trail Joy Ride, Water Adventure, Speed ​​Boat, Banana Ride, Shikara Baide, Rafting, Village Tour,E-Bike Tour, Raneh Fall Tour, Datla Pahad. Activities like, Segway Tour, Khajuraho Night Tour, Farm Tour will be organised.
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, 10 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.