Every February or March, the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad stages a week-long classical dance festival on the floodlit lawns in front of the western temple group. Performances take place at night, with the temples lit against the dark sky behind the dancers — a genuinely spectacular backdrop for Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipuri, Manipuri, and other classical Indian dance forms.
The festival draws leading performers from across India and has been running since 1975. It is one of the better-known events on the Indian classical arts calendar. If you can time your visit to Khajuraho to coincide with the festival, do it — performances usually run for six or seven evenings, entry fees are reasonable, and the setting is exceptional.
Check the exact dates each year, as the festival is held at the full moon nearest to Mahashivaratri and the exact timing shifts. Book accommodation in advance — Khajuraho's limited hotel stock fills up quickly during festival week.