Bookmark These Upcoming Indian Dance Festivals

Here are three upcoming dance festivals that capture the essence of Indian art and culture as it progresses across the ages

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Updated on:

29 Apr 2023, 6:45 am

3 min read

One of the founding pillars of India's diverse culture is its multitude of dance forms. Some are encompassed within the strict boundaries of classical dances others are marked by regional and/or tribal dance standards however, all are expressions of a highly artistic and expressive populace influenced by a history that stretches to multiple ancient civilisations. Here are three upcoming dance festivals that capture the essence of Indian art and culture as it progresses across the ages.

As a precaution, please travel only after you confirm the dates of the events with the concerned authorities via the contact information given below.

Soorya Dance Festival, Kerala

Embark on a cultural journey of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, as you immerse yourself in the mesmerising Soorya Dance Festival - a ten-day extravaganza that celebrates the city's rich heritage through spellbinding dance performances. Experience the sheer brilliance of renowned dancers and musicians from across India as they take centre stage to enchant and captivate audiences. The festival is organised by the Soorya Stage and Film Society, one of Asia's largest cultural societies, ensuring an unforgettable celebration of Thiruvananthapuram's vibrant cultural identity. Let the rhythmic beats of the music and the grace of the dancers transport you to a world of wonder and magic, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

When October 1 to 10

How to get there Regular buses from cities like Bangalore, Kochi and Madurai ply to Trivandrum. The Trivandrum Central Railway Station and Trivandrum airport is the nearest and is well-linked to major Indian cities

Rajgir Mahotsav, Bihar

Experience a captivating fusion of history, religion, art, and culture at the magnificent Rajgir Mahotsav - an event that has earned renown not only in Bihar but also on the national and international stage. Since its inception in 1986, this festival has been a cherished celebration of the culturally and historically rich heritage of Nalanda and Rajgir, offering a window into the soul of India's past. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rajgir Convention Centre, this three-day extravaganza is a feast for the senses, featuring enchanting performances by renowned singers and dancers who light up the stage with their passion and energy. The festival has been graced by the presence of illustrious national artists, including the likes of Hema Malini, Sanyukta Panigrahi, Ravindra Jain, Nida Fazli, Talat Aziz, Ghazal Samrat Ghulam Ali, Birju Maharaj, Jaswinder Narula, Alka Yagnik, and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, whose breathtaking performances have added to the festival's beauty and grandeur. And as the festival continues to evolve and expand, it is helping to put Nalanda and Rajgir on the global tourism map, cementing their place as cultural and historical treasures that are not to be missed.

When October 24 to 26

How to get there Private and state-run buses are readily available to connect you to Rajgir from neighbouring cities like Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, Pawapuri, Bihar Sharif, and many more. If you're travelling by air, Gaya Airport is your best bet, located about 68 km southwest of Rajgir. It offers flights to Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi

Konark Dance Festival, Konark, Odisha

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One of the oldest dance festivals in the country, the Konark Dance festival rules the listings like no other. It has been held at Konark in the first week of December for more than 30 years. The surge of visitors during the festival period is legendary. The sun temple of Konark is the venue for the acclaimed festival, and the seats are at a premium. A revered platform for the classical dancers of India, you will see during the five-day festival dance forms such as Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Sattriya. Additionally, there is a craft fair at the Urban Haat, which has the expert craftspeople of Odisha showcasing their exemplary work. Take advantage of the International Sand Art Festival, organised at Chandrabhaga Beach.

When&nbspFirst week of December

How to get there&nbspKonark is well connected to the rest of Odisha, and the country, via road, rail, and air routes

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