Khajuraho (खजुराहो) also known as “Kharjuravāhaka”), is derived from the Sanskrit words kharjura = date palm and vāhaka = “one who carries”. It is a town in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh which is located about 620 kilometres southeast of New Delhi, the capital city of India.

The location is very famous for the number of Hindu and Jain temples from the medieval times. These temples where built over a period of 200 years, from 950 to 1150.  These temples are famous for their erotic sculptures and one of the major tourist attractions in the central India.

On the backdrop of such monuments an open-air auditorium dance festival which is known as Khajuraho Dance Festival, is organized every year from 25th February to 2nd March which show cases the spectacular performances from some of the best artists in the classical Indian dances. This event witnesses various Indian classical dance styles such as Bharathanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathakali. Recently, the event has also added the modern Indian dances. The open-air auditoriums are located in front of Chitragupta Temple which is dedicated to Surya (सूर्य – the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The idea of presenting the classical dance and music at the back drop of classical monuments seems incredible and attracts a large number of tourists every year. Not just the classical medieval monuments, dances and music, one can also find some interesting folk arts from various craftsmen. These arts or craft can be purchased at the festival.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QqLyjrAtrY

As the festival comes alive on evening during the festival period, it offers tourists to way to relax after an hectic day of sight-seeing, and let them relax and enjoy spectacular performances of Indian classical music and dances.