Khajuraho is beautiful by day, but it is magical in the evening. Every evening, the Light and Sound Show tells the story of the temples with lights and voice. And every February, the Khajuraho Dance Festival brings India's best classical dancers to dance in front of the temples.
This guide explains both, in simple words. If you want to see them as part of a full trip, see our Khajuraho tour packages.
Khajuraho Light and Sound Show
Quick Facts
What Is the Show About?
When it gets dark, colourful lights fall on the big temples of the Western Group. A voice tells the story of Khajuraho: how the Chandela kings came to power, why they built these temples, how the town was forgotten for hundreds of years, and how the world found it again. In 2025, Madhya Pradesh Tourism started a new show. It uses modern projectors to paint moving pictures on the temple walls, with surround sound. The story is told in the voice of Amitabh Bachchan.
Light and Sound Show Timings
- The show starts after sunset.
- There is an English show and a Hindi show, one after the other.
- In winter, the first show starts a little earlier. In summer, it starts later.
- The show is usually not held during the Dance Festival week, because the festival uses the same place.
The exact time changes with the season, so please check at your hotel or at the show counter on the day you go.
How to Get Tickets
- Buy tickets at the show counter in the evening, or ask your hotel to book.
- The show has its own entry gate, different from the day entry to the temples.
- The day ticket for the temples does not cover the show.
Tips for the Show
- Reach 15 to 20 minutes early to get a good seat.
- In winter, carry a jacket. It gets cold after dark.
- Carry mosquito cream after the monsoon.
- Children enjoy it too. It is a good way to learn the history before you see the temples next morning.
Khajuraho Dance Festival
Quick Facts
What Is the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
The Khajuraho Dance Festival is one of the most famous dance festivals in India. It started in 1975. For about a week every February, top classical dancers perform on an open-air stage, with the lit-up temples behind them. Many of the stone dancers on the temple walls are in the same poses you see on the stage. Watching the festival feels like the carvings have come to life.
Dances You Can See
The festival shows India's classical dance forms, such as:
- Kathak (North India)
- Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)
- Odissi (Odisha)
- Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
- Manipuri (Manipur)
- Mohiniyattam and Kathakali (Kerala)
Each evening has a few performances by famous artists and dance groups.
Other Things at the Festival
Along with the dance, there are usually:
- A crafts fair with handmade items from Madhya Pradesh.
- Art shows and talks about dance and art.
- Food stalls with local dishes.
The programme changes every year. Check the Madhya Pradesh Tourism website in January for the full list.
When Is the Next Khajuraho Dance Festival?
The festival is held every year in February, usually in the last two weeks. The 2026 festival was from 20 to 26 February. The dates for 2027 are usually announced a few weeks before.
Tips for the Dance Festival
- Book your hotel early. Rooms fill up fast in festival week.
- Reach early in the evening to get a good seat. Entry is free, so it gets crowded.
- Carry a warm layer. February evenings in Khajuraho are cool.
- See the temples in the morning and the festival in the evening.
Plan Your Evenings in Khajuraho
| If you visit in | Evening plan |
|---|---|
| October to January, March | Light and Sound Show |
| February (festival week) | Khajuraho Dance Festival |
| April to September | Light and Sound Show (it is cooler after dark) |
A good plan is to see the temples in the morning, rest in the afternoon, and enjoy the show or the festival in the evening. Our 2 Nights Khajuraho Tour Package includes a free evening for this.
Coming for the Dance Festival? Hotels sell out early. Tell us your dates and we will book your stay, car and sightseeing. See our Khajuraho tour package options or call +91 92850 11011. Want to see more of the state? Explore our Madhya Pradesh tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timing of the Khajuraho Light and Sound Show?
The show starts every evening after sunset. There is one show in English and one in Hindi. The time changes with the season.
How long is the Khajuraho Light and Sound Show?
It takes less than an hour. Reach a little early to get a good seat.
Who is the voice of the Khajuraho Light and Sound Show?
The new show, started in 2025, is told in the voice of Amitabh Bachchan.
When is the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
It is held every year in February. In 2026, it was from 20 to 26 February.
Is there a ticket for the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
No. Entry to the Dance Festival is free.
Which dances are performed at the Khajuraho Dance Festival?
Classical dances like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam and Kathakali.
