Khajuraho Dance

About Khajuraho Dance

One of the most popular cultural events in India, Khajuraho Festival of Dance is a memorable affair that is held over a week (February and March) and is watched by locals, tourists and celebrities alike. A showcase for the diverse Indian classical dances, the festival attracts the leading performers of Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Bharatnatyam etc. The festival is held before the floodlit temples in the Western Group at Khajuraho where the dancers perform on stage as an offering to the temple gods.

Khajuraho Festival of Dances draws the best classical dancers in the country every years, who perform against the spectacular backdrop of the floodlit temples. The past and the present silhouetted against he glow of a setting sun, become an exquisite backdrop for the performers. In a setting where the earthly and the divine create perfect harmony - an event that celebrates the pure magic of the rich classical dance traditions of India. As dusk falls, the temples are lit up in a soft, dream-like ethereal stage.

Khajuraho Dance Festival is conducted as a celebration of the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples and preserving it for the coming generation.
Khajuraho Dance Festival is held every spring in the town of Khajuraho in order to celebrate the glory of the temples. It is believed that classical dance basically comes from the Hindu temples and attained it’s maturity.

This Festival is a cultural festival for the celebration of the Indian arts- dance and music handling down from generation to generation. Khajuraho Dance Festival is actually a weeklong dance festival and is held during the months of February and March in Khajuraho. This cultural extravaganza is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department and is promoted as one of the major cultural event in Khajuraho.

This cultural event takes place at an open-air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta Temple. The Chitragupta temple was built thousands of years ago and is a dedication to the Sun god apart from the Chitragupta temples the Khajuraho Dance festival is also organized at the Vishwanatha Temple that is a dedication to Lord Shiva.

This dance festival not only accentuates the classical and modern dance of the country, but also give a chance to the artisans and craftsmen to display their talent. Do no miss visiting the workshops and seminars that are organised by the renowned artisans during the dance festival. These artists through this festival get a chance to emblazon their arts to the numerous visitors and tourists. Not only this, an open air field plays host to a market that sells the local handicrafts of Khajuraho. These locals handicrafts are native to these areas and one must buy these artifacts as token of remembrance.

The Khajuraho Dance festival is one the rare festivals of the world that highlights the Indian Classical from of dance. This festival attracts thousands of tourist every year.

The Khajuraho dance festival highlights the beautiful aspects of the rich cultural heritage of India. The main motive of conducting this festival is that it merges the present generation with the rich tradition of the past thus making it more relevant for future generations. The beautiful dances against the brilliant backdrop of beautifully lit temples make the event all the more enjoyable and magical.

Copyright 2016 HolidayLandmark All rights reserved

Best time to visit Khajuraho Dance

As per event schedule; typically October-April

How to reach Khajuraho Dance

Nearest airport: Khajuraho Airport (5 km). Nearest railway station: Khajuraho (direct trains from Delhi, Agra). Well-connected by road to Chhatarpur (45 km) and Jhansi (175 km).

Timings & opening hours

Varies by festival/event; typically evening performances during fairs

Entry fee & tickets

Free at festivals; cultural shows INR 100-500

Duration needed

1-2 hours per performance

Location info

Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh.

Safety tips

Carry water, wear comfortable shoes, keep emergency contacts handy, supervise children

Things to carry

Comfortable clothing and shoes, water bottle, camera, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, first aid kit

Nearby visiting places

Panna National Park (40 km), Beni Sagar Dam (25 km), Raneh Falls (20 km), Ken River

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: Khajuraho Airport (5 km).

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Madhya Pradesh. 4G is reliable in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and along national highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench national parks. Most hotels and resorts in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Madhya Pradesh cuisine — dal bafla, poha, bhutte ka kees, Bhopali kebabs, and Indori namkeen — offers distinctive regional flavours.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. MP Tourism hotels and wildlife lodges offer reliable mid-range options across the state.

History of Khajuraho Dance

Traditional folk dance form originating from the cultural traditions of Madhya Pradesh, passed down through generations.

Things to do at Khajuraho Dance

Watch live performances; Participate in community dancing; Photography (with permission); Learn about dance history and style.

Things to visit & highlights

Panna National Park (40 km), Beni Sagar Dam (25 km), Raneh Falls (20 km), Ken River

Climate & weather

Madhya Pradesh has a subtropical climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (October–March) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C with clear skies and pleasant days — ideal for wildlife safaris and temple visits. April–June is very hot, with temperatures reaching 42–45°C in most areas. The monsoon (July–September) brings moderate to heavy rainfall, making the landscape lush green, though wildlife parks close during peak monsoon.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Police: 100, Ambulance: 108, Fire: 101; MP Tourism Helpline: 1800-233-1111; District helpline varies by location.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps available within 1-5 km of most tourist sites; major highways have regular fueling stations every 20-30 km. In remote areas, fill up at the nearest town before travelling.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch performances? At local festivals, cultural venues, and dedicated performance spaces in Madhya Pradesh cities.

Is the performance free or ticketed? Many festival performances are free to attend; dedicated cultural shows may cost INR 100-500 per person.

Can I take photographs during the performance? Photography is usually allowed but flash may be prohibited; it is polite to ask performers beforehand.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Madhyapradesh
• Category: Music And Dance