Saturday, March 23, 2013

Witness the Rich Ethnicity of Gujarat at the Modhera Dance Festival


Classic Dance at the Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat

The Modhera Dance Festival is organised by Gujarat Tourism in order to preserve the spirit of classical dance. The festival is a three day long event in the month of January. The Sun Temple in Modhera is dedicated to the Sun God namely, Surya. The outer walls of the temple are covered with inscriptions and figurines related the Sun God where the event takes place.
Modhera Dance Festival in Gujarat
Traditional Gujarati Folk Dance
The uniqueness of the festival is the showcase of traditional dance forms from all over the country. A common platform creates a cultural delight for the viewers. The illuminated gorgeous backdrop of the temple makes it a perfect setting for the viewers to enjoy the Modhera Dance Festival.

History:
Dance forms in India are considered as artistic yoga depicting devotion towards the god. Texts and evidences from Ancient India have shown close relation between dance forms and temple architecture. Dance forms have presented a way of offering to god and also a way to convey messages to social problems. In order to revive the cultural inheritance of the country, the Modhera Dance Festival is carried out in Gujarat.
At a glance:
The three day long festival is organised in order to maintain the rich ethnicity of the area. The festival is attended and participated by art and dance experts from all over the world. Classical and folk forms of dance are the mainstreams for the event. The grandeur settings along with the varied dance performances bring out the beauty of the place in a splendorous way. The dance troops create an enjoyable ambiance for the viewers from all over the world.
Classic Dance at the Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat
Classic Dance at the Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat
Indian Dance at Sun Temple
Indian Dance at Sun Temple (Photo: Harshal Padhya)
Indian Arts
Indian Arts (Photo: Harshal Padhya)
The event exhibits the performances of famous dances of India like Oddissi, Bharatnatayam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and Kathakali along with local folk types. It is believed that these dance forms have experienced a gradual maturity with the organisation of The Modhera Dance Festival every year. The traditions of these classical forms of dance and music have been passed down through generations, each showing a more artistic development.

Uttararadh Mahotsav - Dance Festival in Gujarat
Uttararadh Mahotsav – Dance Festival in Gujarat (Photo: Harshal Padhya)
This festival of dance is also famously known as the Uttararadh Mahotsav which is followed by the festival of Uttarayan or the Kite Festival in Gujarat. Over the years this festival has gained popularity world widely due to its exhibition of rich Indian dance forms. Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited has taken over the obligation to preserve the Indian Culture.
Temple Architecture - Modhera Dance Festival
Temple Architecture – Modhera Dance Festival (Photo: Harshal Padhya)
The name of the festival that is Uttararadh Mahotsav,  is derived from  the planetary and astronomical configuration of the Sun.  The festival is dedicated to the Sun God indicating the start of summers. The architecture of the temple is based on the planetary position of sun and planets.
How to reach:
Modhera is located in Gujarat and is 25 km away from Mehsana town. The village is also well connected from Ahmadabad. Modhera has a well connected rail and road connections. You can board a train from major cities of India. In order to fly down, you need to reach Ahmadabad and then go by train or taxi to Modhera. You will get all the holiday home rentals facilities at Modhera.
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