Colourful Traditions-Khajuraho Dance Festivals-Central India

While the traditional religious festivals of the Hindus, Muslims and other communities are celebrated in Madhya Pradesh as enthusiastically as in the rest of India, it is the tribal fairs and festivals of Madhya Pradesh, which are a celebration of the ethnic life-styles of the colourful tribes of the land. The tribal festivals in Jhabua are marked by carefree revelry, drinking bouts and exotic entertainment like cock-fighting, uninhibited dancing, etc. The casual visitor often fails to appreciate adequately the genuine and strong tradition of democracy in tribal society, the harmonious living with nature, the respected status accorded to women, the amicable sharing of the community resources.

Lokranjan, Khajuraho (Held in December)
Folk and tribal dances of ancient India. This is an effort to conduct various forms of dances at one platform. Lokranjan festival is organised in Khajuraho by the Adivasi Lok Kala Academy during 8-12 in Dec. for the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. It is a symbol of cultural awareness.

Khajuraho, an ancient town of Chandel dynasty is famous for its architecture and sculpture all over the world.

Among the cultural festivals of Madhya Pradesh, the Khajuraho Festival of Dances and the Tansen Music Festival in Gwalior are poignant celebrations of Indian classical dance and music.

Khajuraho Dance Festival (25 February to 3 March - 2007)

25th Feb. 07
Kumkum Dhar, Lucknow Kathak

Kanka Shrinivas, Delhi Bharatnatyam Group
Suchitra Harmalkar, Indore Kathak

26th Feb. 07
Ranjana Gouhar, Delhi Odissi
Uma Rahul, Mumbai Bele (Santvani)
Lata Singh Munshi, Bhopal Bharatnatyam

27th Feb. 07
Uma Murli Krishna, Chennai Kuchipudi
International Chhau Dance Group,W.B. Chhau Purulia
Vijaya Sharma, Bhopal Kathak

28th Feb. 07
Neela Prasad, Thiruanantpuram Mohiniattam
Nalini-Kamlini, Delhi Kathak Duet
Bindu Juneja, Bhopal Odissi

1st March, 07
Munna Shukla, Delhi Kathak Group
Priya Jayraman, Chennai Bharatnatyam
V.Anuradha Singh, Bhopal Kathak

2nd March, 07
Geeta Mahalik, Delhi Odissi
J.L.Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy, Manipur
Manipuri
Shweta Mishra, Lucknow Kathak

3rd March, 07
Kumkum Mohanti, Bhuvneshawar Odissi
Kala Mandlam Gopi, Kerala Kathkali
Sankalp Group, Delhi Odissi