Madhya Pradesh is deeply entwined with its festivals and
fairs. These festivals and fairs in turn are deeply rooted
in mythology and old cultural traditions. The festivals of
Madhya Pradesh are celebrated with genuine enthusiasm and
belief in the almighty. They also reveal to you, on your tour
of Madhya Pradesh, the elements of a progressive society within
its conservative and traditional framework.
The main festivals in Madhya Pradesh include:
Khajuraho Festival of Dance, Khajuraho
Tansen Music Festival, Gwalior
Shivratri Mela, Pachmarhi
Navratri Festival, Ujjain
Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival, Sanchi
Khajuraho Festival of Dance in Madhya Pradesh
One of the most popular cultural events in India, Khajuraho
Festival of Dance is a memorable affair that is held over
a week (February and March) and is watched by locals, tourists
and celebrities alike. A showcase for the diverse Indian classical
dances, the festival attracts the leading performers of Odissi,
Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Bharatnatyam etc. The festival is held
before the floodlit temples in the Western Group at Khajuraho
where the dancers perform on stage as an offering to the temple
gods.
Tansen Music Festival in Madhya Pradesh
If you want to catch hold of different and intriguing sounds,
styles and instruments, the best place is the Tansen Music
Festival in Madhya Pradesh. The music festival is held in
November/December and is attended by India's best vocalists
and musicians whether from the classical, folk or fusion genre.
You can get a glimpse of the show at the performance delivered
for free at the Tansen Tomb to commemorate his artistic achievements.
Shivratri Mela in Madhya Pradesh
Though celebrated throughout India, Shivratri Mela at Pachmarhi,
Madhya Pradesh, is a unique experience. Held in February or
March, depending on whether the last day of phagun falls in
which month, the festival is attended by lakhs of devotees
of Lord Shiva who rests in a shrine on the Satpura Range.
The Mahadeo Temple is decked up with tridents that the devotees
bring along and plant them on Chauragarh Hill that is nearby.
Navratri Festival in Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain and its temples come alive during the festival season
of Navratri (Dusshera) that usually falls in the month of
September or October. Another famous festival of Ujjain in
central India is the Kumbh Mela that is held once every 12
years. Millions then flock to Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh to take
a dip in the holy waters of Shipra River.
Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival in Madhya Pradesh
A Buddhist festival held at Sanchi at the end of November,
Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival is attended by thousands of Buddhists
monks and pilgrims. They attend the festival to view the relics
of Buddha's two initial disciples whose remains were discovered
in Stupa 3 (as listed at Sanchi) in 1853. The two disciples,
whose relics are the center of this festival, were Sari Puttha
and Maha Moggallana.
Tourism of Central India offers specialized tour booking,
and travel packages for Madhya Pradesh. To book your tour,
or for more information, please fill the form below.
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