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The 52nd Khajuraho Dance Festival is proudly continuing a glorious tradition of celebrating Indian classical dance against the stunning backdrop of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over more than five decades, this iconic event has established itself as a premier platform for artistic excellence, cultural expression, and the preservation of India’s rich performing arts heritage.
Festival Highlights 2026 – A Multifaceted Cultural
Extravaganza
Beyond the spectacular main-stage performances by renowned and emerging artists, the 52nd edition introduces a vibrant array of curated experiences that celebrate dance, dialogue, craftsmanship, cuisine, and deep cultural immersion, transforming the festival into a comprehensive celebration of India’s living traditions.
Khajuraho Carnival (New Addition)
A national-level dance competition featuring craft exhibitions, food stalls, and diverse cultural performances. This lively carnival turns the festival venue into a colorful celebration of artistic diversity and regional traditions from across India.
Nataraja (New Addition):- An exquisite exhibition of sculptures depicting Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance forms, complemented by Shaiva-Shakta paintings. It offers a rare visual exploration of spiritual symbolism and classical iconography.
National Children’s Dance Festival:- A dedicated platform showcasing classical dance presentations by young emerging talents from all over India, nurturing the next generation of cultural torchbearers.
Laya Shala (23-25 February 2026)
Interactive sessions with eminent gurus representing various Indian classical dance traditions. A precious opportunity for meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and artistic exchange.
Kalavarta:- An interdisciplinary forum bringing together artists, scholars, critics, and cultural thinkers for thought-provoking discussions on aesthetics, heritage, and performance traditions.
Art Mart:- An exhibition-cum-sale featuring nature-themed watercolor paintings and traditional musical instruments used in Indian folk and classical music.
Hunar (20-26 February 2026)
A vibrant handicraft market displaying works by traditional artisans, celebrating India’s rich legacy of handcrafted artistry and creativity.
Shrijan:- Live demonstrations of clay sculptures inspired by Khajuraho’s architecture, along with showcases of traditional crafting techniques by skilled artisans.
Swaad :- A thoughtfully curated culinary experience presenting authentic regional cuisines from across India, honoring the incredible diversity of Indian flavors.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Activities
Immersive experiential tours including visits to nomadic communities and villages, guided nature walks, camping adventures, Khajuraho village explorations, e-bike tours, water sports, thrilling activities, and family-friendly excursions.
All these carefully designed elements come together to elevate the 52nd Khajuraho Dance Festival into a multidimensional cultural extravaganza. Here, world-class performances, active participation, and ancient heritage converge in one unforgettable week.
If you’re passionate about Indian classical dance, temple architecture, or cultural diversity, mark your calendar for February 2026 in Khajuraho. This festival promises to delight the eyes, enrich the mind, and touch the soul!
Dates: 20-26 February 2026
Venue: Khajuraho Group of Temples
Organized by: Department of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh, through Ustad Allauddin Khan Academy of Music and Arts