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NEWSLETTER - January 2019 |
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If dances intrigue you, then Khajuraho Dance Festival would definitely hold your interest. Held at one of the most famous travel destinations of India, Khajuraho Dance Festival is exciting and thrilling. One of the famous cultural events of India, Khajuraho Dance Festival grabs attention of every traveller in the month of February (20-26th February). This is a seven day fest and during this tenure you can collect everlasting memorabilia.
The setting sun, soft lights, sounds of anklets and musical instruments create an enchanting spell. Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Kathak and Mohiniyattam are showcased at the festival.
This month we bring to you Khajuraho Dance Festival as the destination of the month.
GITA - India Unveiled! |
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Clarks Inn debuts in Nepal with Sneha Clarks Inn Suites, Nepalgunj
Clarks Inn Group of Hotels has signed one of mid-west Nepal’s most iconic properties, Hotel Sneha in Nepalgunj, now known as Sneha Clarks Inn Suites. The new addition marks Clarks Inn’s first operational debut in Nepal and the second property overall, including one in Kathmandu that is expected to open door later this year. Nepalgunj, a border town located just across the Indo-Nepal border along the state of UP, is fast emerging as a tourism hotspot of the mid-west region of Nepal. The border city serves as the gateway to the majestic Himalayas, wildlife and national parks, trekking routes and a host of water sports activities. Combining the old-world charm with cutting-edge guest services, Sneha Clarks Inn Suites is a more than 50 years old property with its colonial era architectural designs and the latest in amenities and world-class guest services. The 60-key property, currently a three-star hotel, is soon to be a four-star hotel as it has already applied for the four-star certification and is awaiting the same.
The Chedi, Mumbai, to open in June 2019
Preferred Hotels & Resorts has announced 23 new properties scheduled to be launched across the globe in 2019 of which one will be The Chedi, Mumbai, housing 312 rooms and suites. Breathtaking views over the Powai Lake to Mumbai’s dramatic cityscape, this hotel will be a game-changing luxury in India’s City of Dreams. The Chedi, Mumbai welcomes business travellers with sophisticated meeting facilities, state-of-the-art equipment and communication technology.
Taj opens Taj Aravali Resort & Spa, Udaipur
 Taj has opened its second hotel in Udaipur – Taj Aravali Resort & Spa. Nestled in the foothills of the picturesque Aravali mountain range, the resort is spread across 27 acres of lush landscaped gardens. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), said, “Taj has been instrumental in developing India’s tourism potential in Rajasthan and putting the state on the global map with the iconic Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, since 1970. With the opening of Taj Aravali Resort & Spa, we are enhancing our offering for the global traveller and reinforcing our commitment to Udaipur – the Venice of the East.” The resort has 92 luxurious rooms, suites and tents with panoramic views of the Aravalis. The design ethos is contemporary with a mix of traditional Rajasthani influences and furnishings inspired by Mewar’s world-class equestrian heritage. The hotel is conveniently located an hour away from the airport.
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Port Blair becomes an international airport
Foreign tourists can now directly fly to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as the government has designated Port Blair airport as an authorised immigration check post for entry into and exit from India with valid travel documents.
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Air Italy partners with Vistara to boost connectivity between India and Italy
Air Italy and Vistara have signed an interline commercial agreement to offer single tickets for all customers from Italy to a range of Indian destinations with effect from January 7. Under the agreement, Air Italy will offer its customers the opportunity to fly to and from Chennai, Goa, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kolkata and Hyderabad, in connection with its Milan Malpensa-Delhi and Milan Malpensa-Mumbai flights launched respectively on December 6 and 13, 2018.
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Khajuraho Dance Festival
Khajuraho Festival of Dances is celebrated at a time when the hardness of winter begins to fade and the king of all seasons, spring, takes over. The most colourful and brilliant classical  dance forms of India with their roots in the ling and rich cultural traditions across the country, offer a feast for the eyes during a weeklong extravaganza here. Since times immemorial, myriad forms of dance have been adsorbed into the classical dance styles. Watching these performances reveal the age-old trends, traits and nuances that are firmly established in dance in various regions of India.
The aura of these masterpieces has not dimmed over many centuries; nor have the living traditions of these styles lost their fluidity and charm over the long passage of time. Indian traditions of dance have been considered to be divine in origin. In Indian mythology, the gods and goddesses are great lovers of music that comprises vocal singing, instrumental music and dance.
History and Legends
Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for its ancient temples that depict some of the finest art in the world. Built between 950-1050 AD by the Chandela Dynasty, these temples depict various forms like meditation, spiritual teachings, kinship, wrestling, royalty and most significantly, erotic art. The temples consist of stunning displays of fine sculptures and exceptional architectural skill, making them one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
Based on their geographical location, the temples are categorized into three groups: Eastern, Western and Southern. Beautiful, intricate and expressive, the sculptures of the Khajuraho temples will leave you in awe and wonder.
Legends
 According to local legends, there is an interesting story of how and why the temples are called ‘Khajuraho’. The Chandela rulers, who began constructing the temples, got the entire area enclosed by a wall. The wall had about eight gates which were primarily used for entry or exit. It is said that each gate was flanked on either side by date and palm trees. The name was derived from these very trees and the temples were called "Khajura-vahika". In the Hindi language, ‘Khajura’ means ‘Date Palm’ and ‘Vahika’ means ‘Bearing’. The Date Palm tree is found in abundance in this region.
Every year, a week long festival for classical dances is held in February/March against the spectacular backdrop of the magnificently lit temples.
This cultural festival highlights the richness of various Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. Also, there are performances from some of the best exponents in the field. Apart from the traditional classical dance forms, the modern Indian dance has also made it to the list.
The various forms of dances are performed in an open-air auditorium, which is usually in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Along with the renowned performers, a number of craftsmen display their crafts to the visitors. Also, there is an open market for local articles sale. Khajuraho Dance Festival is conducted in order to celebrate the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples and to preserve them for the upcoming generation.
The aura of these masterpieces has not dimmed over many centuries; nor have the living traditions of these styles lost their fluidity and charm over the long passage of time. Indian traditions of dance have been considered to be divine in origin. In Indian mythology, the gods and goddesses are great lovers of music that comprises vocal singing, instrumental music and dance.
Some of the gods are great dancers themselves. Shiva's cosmic dance, the Tandava, Lord Krishna's Rass Leela with the Gopis (female partners), and the legendry beautiful and most skilled dancers known as apsaras, such as Menaka, Urvashi and Rambha, in the celestial court of Lord Indra, the King of Gods, are well versed in the heavenly art of music and dance. These dances of the mind and soul pervade all aspects of life and bring color, joy and gaiety to the festivals and ceremonies of this country.
For ages this ethos has continued in the realm of art and culture of India and embedded into the diverse dance styles prevalent in various parts of the country. These dances materialize against the backdrop of the glorious temples of Khajuraho, which stand a testimony to the glorious past of India's cultural richness. This temple complex glows with the warmth of sandstone which is ornamented with the sinuous curves of sculpture unparalleled in their beauty.
Dates : Wed, 20 Feb, 2019 – Tue, 26 Feb, 2019
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