The classical indian dance forms have been closely connected with temples as a part of rituals. There are innumerable inscriptional, archeaological, literary and other evidences to suggest the close links between dancing and temples.

As the popularity of the classical dance forms increased some of the beaurocrats in the departments of culture suggested to start dance festivals in few temples. Their view was that a dance festival in the premises of the temple would bring dance and temple close to each other again. The Khajuraho Dance Festival held some 20 years ago in the backdrop of the temples of passion was one of the exclusive festival of the modern times. Soon many states followed the suit and many more archaeological site became alive with the dance festivals.

From the Konarak Festival in Orissa to the Tansen Utsav in Gwalior, these cultural events have become the magnet for tourists and performers and a showcase for the best dance talents of India. A variety of dance styles spread over one week provides the casual visitor and the connoisseur the ideal opportunity to grasp the splendour and subtlety of a living performance tradition.

These festivals provide a platform to both the artistes and the dance connoisseurs. These festivals are a lavish feast for the eyes and ears for them. Performing in these dance festivals is lifetime experience with a total package for the eventful and memorable days.

Prominent Dance Festivals in India

Month	Location	Name of The Event	Arts Performed
December - January	Calcutta	Dover Lane Music Festival	Classical Dances, Instrumental Music, Vocal Recitals
January - Feburary	Mahabalipuram	Mamallapuram Nritya Utsav	Classical Dances
Feburary - March	Agra	Taj Mahotsav	Classical Dance, Folk Art, Light Music
Feburary - March	Chidambram	Shivaratri Natyanjali Utsav	Classical Dance
Feburary - March	Jeypore (Near Korhaput)	Desiya Natyam	Masked Dances
March	Khajuraho	Khajuraho Dance Festival	Classical Dances
October	Hampi	Hampi Utsav of Vijaynagar	Classical Dance and Music
October	Trivandrum	Surya Nritya Utsav	Classical Dances
October	Ahmedabad	Bhawai	Bhawai Dance Theatre
October - March	Trivandrum	Nishagandhi Nritya Utsav	Classical Dances
November	Konarak	Konarak Dance Festival	Classical Dances
December	Gwalior	Tansen Utsav	Classical Dances and Music