Khajuraho Dance Festival 2026: A Celebration of Indian Classical Culture
The Khajuraho Dance Festival 2026, set to take place from 20 to 26 February 2026, once again invites audiences from around the world to witness one of India’s most evocative cultural celebrations.
Held annually against the breathtaking backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, this week-long event brings traditional Indian dance to life in open-air performances that honor centuries of artistic heritage.
For decades, the festival has been a vibrant platform where classical dance styles — including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathakali and more — are presented by some of the most respected artists of Indian performing arts. Set in outdoor auditoriums near historic temples such as Chitragupta and Vishwanatha, the performances are enriched by traditional music, storytelling and expressive movement.
The festival showcases the living traditions of Indian culture, reaffirming how deeply dance is woven into the country’s spiritual, artistic and social life. The stunning temple sculptures — themselves inspired by mythological dance forms — create a powerful visual dialogue between past and present, inviting visitors to experience the continuity of centuries-old cultural expression.
In 2026, the festival continues to draw both domestic and international visitors who come to experience not only artistic excellence but also the unique atmosphere of Khajuraho’s heritage landscape. The event highlights India’s rich cultural tapestry, offering a rare opportunity to see traditional arts performed with passion and reverence under the starlit sky.
