10 Classical Dance Festivals in India: Celebrating the Art of Movement

India’s rich cultural tapestry is beautifully woven with diverse classical dance forms that embody grace, expressions, and rhythmic footwork. To witness the splendor of these captivating dance styles, here are the top 10 Classical Dance Festivals in India. Each festival showcases the legacy of Indian classical dance forms, providing a platform for renowned artists and emerging talents to mesmerize audiences.

1. Konark Dance Festival (Konark, Odisha, December):
Organized by the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation, the Konark Dance Festival presents mesmerizing Odissi and Bharatanatyam performances against the backdrop of the architectural marvel, Sun Temple.

2. Mamallapuram Dance Festival (Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, January-February):
Held at the stunning Pallava-era Shore Temple, the Mamallapuram Dance Festival showcases enchanting Bharatanatyam and Kathak performances.

3. Khajuraho Dance Festival (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, February):
Set against the magnificent Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the festival features exquisite classical dance forms like Kathak, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam.

4. Nishagandhi Dance Festival (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, January):
Organized by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, the Nishagandhi Dance Festival presents captivating performances of Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, and Kathakali.

5. Natyanjali Dance Festival (Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, February-March):
Held at the sacred Nataraja Temple, the Natyanjali Dance Festival is a devotional celebration featuring mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performances.

6. Soorya Dance and Music Festival (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, October-November):
The Soorya Dance and Music Festival, organized by the Soorya Stage and Film Society, showcases a range of Indian classical dance forms, including Kathak, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam.

7. Modhera Dance Festival (Modhera, Gujarat, January):
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Sun Temple, the Modhera Dance Festival highlights the elegance of classical dance forms such as Odissi and Bharatanatyam.

8. Taj Mahotsav (Agra, Uttar Pradesh, February):
While primarily a celebration of Mughal culture, the Taj Mahotsav also features captivating performances of classical dance forms like Kathak and Bharatanatyam.

9. Natyanjali Festival (Darbar Hall, Kalamandalam, Kerala, February-March):
The Natyanjali Festival is a revered event for Kathakali enthusiasts, where talented performers bring to life enchanting stories from Indian mythology.

10. Dance and Music Festival (Puri, Odisha, December-January):
The Dance and Music Festival in Puri showcases the elegance of Odissi dance, featuring renowned artists and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

Immerse yourself in the world of Indian classical dance by attending these top 10 Classical Dance Festivals in India. From Odissi to Bharatanatyam, Kathak to Mohiniyattam, these festivals provide a remarkable opportunity to witness the grace, expressions, and artistry of these mesmerizing dance forms. Mark your calendars and experience the magic and beauty of Indian classical dance at these prestigious festivals. Besides these festivals, many artists and organisations have been organising dance festivals in their cities to provide a platform for upcoming dancers and an opportunity for audiences to witness India’s dance heritage. Some of such prominent festivals are Nayika and Dancejathre by senior dancer Vaijayanthi Kashi, Ashtapadi Festival by Sri Geetagovinda Pratisthana, Kathak Mahotsav by Kathak Kendra- Delhi, Smriti by Rhythm Society for Performing Arts, Baadal Raag by MP Culture, Gopikrishna Sangeet Mahotsav by Shree Ganesh Cultural Academy Thane etc.

Photo Credit: Kisna