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| Event Name: | Mamallapuram Dance Festival |
| Event Date: | 25 December 2023 – 15 January 2023 |
| Duration: | 4 Weeks |
| Highlight: | Performance of exponents of the varied dance forms such as Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali or Kathak |
| Location: | W Raja Street, Mahabalipuram 603104 Tamil Nadu |
Mamallapuram Dance Festival: Once the ancient port of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram plays host to a vibrant festival of Dance. Exponents of Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Kathakali performed against the magnificent backdrop of the Pallava Rock Sculpture.
Mamallapuram Festival is organized during the months of January and February in the city of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.
This event witnesses performances on the Indian classical dances such as the Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Mohiniattam, Odissi and Kathakali. The prominent people from their respected fields gather for this cultural event that is also promoted by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department as one of the major cultural attraction to these parts of India.
This four week Mamallapuram Dance Festival is held at the venue of Arjuna’s penance, a bass-relief sculpted on the face of two enormous adjacent rocks, in Mamallapuram. The magnificent backdrop that is provided by the Pallava Rock Sculptures provide an aesthetic touch to this cultural dance festival.
The open-air stage and the dancers from far and wide come to watch the best folk dancers in India perform in front of them under the open skies in an open-air theater style ambience. This open-air stage was created about thirteen centuries ago, the incredible monolithic rock sculptures of the Pallavas, next to the sea in this ancient city of Mamallapuram.
Specialty of Mamallapuram Dance Festival:
Tamil Nadu never fails to surprise its visitors with its plethora of temples, monuments and rich culture. Coming to the moments, Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram holds a lion share in housing sculpture beyond imagination and imitation. Most of these peerless pieces of art date back to some 7th century. These living legacies have made the world look back at the architectural masterminds of Pallavas in awe. This rich town with great history and legacy hoist one of the finest festivals to encourage and satiate the thirst of fork art forms of India. In most cases, the Tourism department of Tamil Nadu organizes the annual festival in the month of January.
Mamallapuram is such a scenic place with never-ending golden shores, the ceaseless roar of the waves, lovely horizon and what not. Imagine spending some sleepless nights among these beautiful structures, attending an extravaganza of dance and popular folk forms from across the country, won’t they be a magical night. To add more beauty to the festive is the decorations and props that veer every soul. Dancers from various parts of India perform enchanting dances and entangle us with their speechless moves. Tales from Mahabharat, Rade Krishna, Valli Muruga, Shiva Shakthi and numerous ancient lore are brought alive through delicate dance forms. The Mamallapuram Dance Festival presents numerous dance forms such as Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Bhangra and much more.
What can we experience?
Call it as an exaggeration but from my heart I would say, Mamallapuram dance festival is a must to visit ceremony in one’s lifetime. Those who love art forms, those who are passionate folk lovers, and those who like to enjoy the rich heritage of India, Mamallapuram festival is where you need to be to satiate your hunger. This arena provides an excellent experience and keen peek through the culture of South India.
One of its kind extravaganza of folk dance forms, the Mamallapuram Dance Festival will surely worth your expectations and even better than you have imagined. This platform is a perfect one-stop destination to witness the cultural and heritage beauty of the state of Tamil Nadu in general and that of Mahabalipuram in particular. This festival brings out the glory of different dance forms and inculcates the seed of passion in every onlooker. Wait no more get mesmerized by the peerless dances of veteran artists at a romantic destination.
Other travel attractions:
Mamallapuram shore temple becomes a major attraction during the festival, and the visitors who attend the dance extravaganza do not miss a chance to visit the temple. These incredible pieces of art were carved by the great artisan of the Pallavas. The shore temples at Mahabalipuram is been dedicated to Hindu Gods including Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganapathy.
The architecture of the interior and exterior walls are intricate and elaborate. The sanctum glows with the Swayambu Lingam. As we proceed we can spot find two shrines facing each other. Here, one shrine is dedicated to Ksatriyasimnesvara and others to Lord Vishnu. In the shrine, Lord Vishnu is imaged reclining on the ‘Seshanag’.
How to reach:
Mahabalipuram is 53 km from Chennai. The nearest railway station to Mahabalipuram is the Chengalpattu Junction, which is located at a distance of 30 km. The major railway junction is the Chennai Central Railway Station which is around 56 km. The nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport, which is approximately 60 km away from Mahabalipuram.
Thus Mahabalipuram dance festival casts a great fest to the onlookers and also takes great measures in keeping alive the various folk forms of India. It is the most splendid festival for both the dancers and dance passionate. It can also be a great weekend destination to take your kids and make them known about our rich culture. And also the best place to spend some memorable time with friends and family.
