Khajuraho dance festival is a week-long event held every year in February/March during the Maha Shivratri Pujan. The glory of the temples is celebrated with true fervor and marks the true spirit of Indian classical dance and music, believed to have originated in the Hindu temples. The festival draws the best classical dancers from around the country, who perform against the spectacular backdrop of the floodlit temples. This seven-day extravaganza is a unique treat for festival fans from all over the world.

As the name indicates this festival is celebrated in honor of Shiva, the third God of the Hindu Trinity. Devotees of Shiva fast during the day and maintain a long vigil during the night. In temples all across the country, bells ring, sacred texts are chanted and traditional offerings of leaves and milk are made to the Shiv lingam, the phallic symbol of the god. Devotees come in huge numbers to the Matangeshwar temple and it’s a great time to sample local delicacies.