51st Khajuraho Dance Festival: A Celebration of Classical Dance and Heritage
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 51st Khajuraho Dance Festival |
| Location | Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh |
| Dates | 20 to 26 February 2025 |
| Organizers | Culture Department and Tourism Department of Madhya Pradesh |
| Initiation | Started in 1975 by Ustad Alauddin Khan Music and Arts Academy |
| Objective | - Showcase Indian classical dance forms (Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Yakshagana).- Promote historical and cultural heritage of Khajuraho.- Provide a platform for artisans and craftsmen. |
| Major Activities | - Classical Dance Marathon (Relay): 139 artists set a Guinness World Record by performing for 24 hours 9 minutes 26 seconds.- Grand classical dance performances.- Hunar Mela: Exhibition of traditional handicrafts, paintings, jewellery.- Live Exhibition: Terracotta art, Bundeli paintings, bead jewellery. |
| Khajuraho Temples | - Built by the Chandela dynasty in the 10th and 11th centuries.- 20 Nagar-style temples remain, including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple.- Temples belong to Jain and Hindu religions.- Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. |