Khajuraho Dance Festival to celebrate ‘Nataraja’ theme this year

The stage is set for the 52nd edition of the iconic Khajuraho Dance Festival, to be held from February 20 to 26, 2026, against the majestic backdrop of the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho. Marking 52 years of artistic excellence, the festival promises a grand confluence of classical dance, heritage, and cultural innovation.Organised at the UNESCO World Heritage Site temples of Khajuraho, the festival transforms the historic courtyards into a living canvas of rhythm and expression, where every mudra narrates a story shaped by centuries of Indian artistic tradition.Speaking at a press conference ,Additional Chief Secretary of Culture, Home, Religious Trusts and Endowments, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, said Madhya Pradesh is once again ready to showcase its cultural fragrance on the global stage. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, the Culture Department has been working to preserve and promote the state’s classical arts, folk traditions, and cultural identity.
Celebrating ‘Nataraja’: The Cosmic Spirit of Dance
The central theme of this year’s festival is ‘Nataraja,’ symbolising spiritual consciousness, rhythm, and creative energy in Indian dance. Renowned exponents will present classical forms including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam with scholarly depth and traditional dignity.This year’s line-up features seven Padma Shri awardees and six recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, alongside promising young performers. The department has placed special emphasis on encouraging emerging artists and expanding opportunities for the next generation.
First-Ever Cultural Rally and Carnival
In a first, a vibrant Cultural Rally will mark the festival’s inauguration on February 20. Artists in traditional attire will traverse the streets of Khajuraho before assembling at the main venue, creating a festive atmosphere across the temple town.The National Khajuraho Children’s Dance Festival has also been granted national status. Designed for child artists aged 10 to 16 years, it has attracted 310 applications from 23 states, including 136 for Kathak and 106 for Bharatanatyam. Selected performers will present their art on a dedicated stage at the fairgrounds.Adding further inclusivity, the inaugural Khajuraho Carnival will be organised at the Craft Village. Artists from 10 states will showcase folk dances, traditional crafts, and cultural expressions. Classical and semi-classical dance competitions will also be conducted as part of the carnival.Interactive initiatives such as ‘Kala Varta’ will facilitate dialogue on temple architecture and artistic traditions, while ‘Laya Shala’ will offer workshops for students to learn technical nuances of dance from master gurus. ‘Art Mart’ will host exhibitions and sales of contemporary Indian paintings and traditional crafts. For culinary enthusiasts, the ‘Swad’ exhibition will present tribal and regional cuisines of Madhya Pradesh.
Tourism and Adventure Add New Dimensions
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department has curated special experiences to enhance visitor engagement. Tourists can explore the heritage town through e-bike and Segway tours, village excursions, and cultural trails.Adventure enthusiasts can camp near Panna National Park at Jhinna and Madla, and participate in nature walks under the ‘Walk with Pardhi’ initiative. Water sports such as speed boating and shikara rides will be available at Kutni Island. Local artisans will display terracotta crafts, Bundelkhand paintings, and bead jewellery to promote regional artistry.
Collaborative Cultural Effort
The festival is being organised by the Culture Department in collaboration with the Ustad Allauddin Khan Music and Art Academy, the Archaeological Survey of India, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, and the District Administration of Chhatarpur.As classical melodies echo once again through the city of temples, the 52nd Khajuraho Dance Festival is set to become a unique cultural platform blending dance, dialogue, craft, cuisine, and adventure—further strengthening Madhya Pradesh’s identity on the global cultural map.

(Asstt.Editor)