Ira Singh 
The 52nd edition of the Khajuraho Dance Festival was inaugurated virtually by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday, marking the beginning of a seven-day (20-26 Feb) celebration of India’s classical dance traditions against the majestic backdrop of the temple town.Organised by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Culture Department, the festival is being held at the open-air stage near the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. The historic temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a spiritually resonant setting that artists consider a matter of immense pride to perform in.
Inaugurating the festival virtually, the Chief Minister said, “My body may be in Bhopal but my soul is in Khajuraho.” Praising the line-up of performances, he congratulated the state’s culture department for organising the grand event and noted that this year’s state budget had significantly increased allocations for the department. He described Bundelkhand, of which Khajuraho is a part, as a land of unmatched valour and rich cultural heritage, recalling that a recent state cabinet meeting was held in the region to boost its development.
The festival commenced with a captivating Kathak presentation that drew widespread appreciation from domestic and international tourists. The opening performance featured a dance drama titled Pratishtha by Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee and renowned Kathak dancer Maitreyee Pahari and her troupe from Delhi.The inaugural evening also saw Bharatanatyam performed by exponent Anuradha Venkatraman and a spellbinding Odissi recital by Shubhada Varadkar, showcasing the diversity and depth of India’s classical dance heritage.
#52ndKhajurahoDanceFestival begins in MP with a mesmerising Kathak performance near Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, celebrating India’s rich heritage. pic.twitter.com/vkR4AFSq5t
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This year’s festival revolves around the theme of ‘Nataraja’, depicting 108 dance postures of Nataraja through intricate art and craft installations at the venue. An exhibition highlighting Madhya Pradesh’s handloom, handicrafts and traditional arts has also been set up, offering artisans a platform to display and sell their work. The state government has been actively promoting artists and craftsmen through such initiatives, contributing to enhanced livelihood opportunities.Tourism and Culture Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said the Khajuraho Festival has earned an international identity, with participation expanding globally. He described it as a vital platform for the promotion and preservation of Indian culture and extended his greetings on the occasion of its 52nd edition.
Khajuraho MP Vishnu Datt Sharma noted that the festival has become an international hallmark of the region. He highlighted the addition of new dimensions this year, including ‘Bal Nritya’ (children’s dance) and the ‘Khajuraho Carnival’, offering fresh experiences to tourists and artists from across India and abroad. Performing at Khajuraho, he added, is a proud moment for every artist.The festival, themed on Nataraj, has been organised by the Ustad Alauddin Khan Sangeet Evam Kala Akademi in association with the Archaeological Survey of India and other bodies. A large number of foreign visitors attended the opening ceremony, praising the grandeur and immersive celebration of Indian culture.Over the next six days, renowned artists from India and abroad will continue to grace the stage, reinforcing Khajuraho’s status as one of the country’s most prestigious cultural festivals.
(Asstt.Editor)
