From News Desk
Set against the timeless backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khajuraho Group of Monuments, the Khajuraho Dance Festival 2026 reaffirms its position as one of India’s most distinguished celebrations of classical dance. Scheduled during 20th–26th February 2026, the festival brings together eminent artistes, scholars, and audiences to experience India’s living performing arts traditions in dialogue with one of its most extraordinary temple complexes.
Building on its rich legacy, the 2026 edition introduces a refreshed dimension through a newly curated Carnival format, designed to expand public engagement and enhance the overall cultural experience. While the festival retains its classical core, the Carnival extends the celebration beyond evening performances to include daytime cultural activities, interactive spaces, and community-oriented experiences.
Traditionally spread over several days, the Khajuraho Dance Festival showcases India’s major classical dance formsviz., Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam, presented by leading dancers and renowned institutions from across the country. These performances unfold in open-air settings, with the illuminated temples of Khajuraho forming a striking visual and symbolic backdrop, seamlessly linking sculptural heritage with rhythm, movement, and expression.
The introduction of the Carnival format adds a layered cultural dimension to the festival. Alongside curated dance performances, visitors can engage with craft displays, folk and tribal art demonstrations, culinary showcases, cultural exhibitions, and interactive workshops. This expanded format offers a more immersive and accessible window into the wider cultural landscape of Madhya Pradesh, highlighting regional traditions, local artisanship, and diverse performing arts practices.
The festival also serves as a vital platform for cultural dialogue. Lectures, demonstrations and informal interactions encourage meaningful exchanges between classical artistes, young practitioners, scholars and audiences. This deepens the understanding of India’s intangible cultural heritage while nurturing future generations of performers and cultural custodians.
Khajuraho itself remains central to the festival’s identity. Celebrated for its intricate temple architecture and sculptural brilliance dating back over a millennium, the site embodies the intersection of art, spirituality and aesthetics. The dance festival draws inspiration from this legacy, reinforcing the idea of classical dance as a living, evolving tradition rooted in history.
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