About Pattadakal
Pattadakallu, commonly known as Pattadakal is a small village in Karnataka and the embodiment of an Indian architectural marvel. Located on the banks of the Malaprabha river, this village is a UNESCO declared world heritage site. ‘Pattadakallu’ translates to ‘Place of Coronation’.
As the name suggests, all kings of the Chalukya dynasty were crowned here, making it a place of great historical and cultural significance.
This village is home to about ten temples including a few Jain shrines and other monuments and inscriptions.
The temples in Pattadakal are regarded as architectural extraordinaire and uphold the rich history of the place.
Structurally, the temples are made in both, the South Indian i.e. Dravidian style, and the North Indian i.e. Nagara style of architecture. Each temple is unique in its structure and narrates a story of its own.
Built-in the 7th and 8th century CE, this village complex depicts the life people in the bygone era of Indian history.
UNESCO described these monuments as a harmonious blend of the architectural styles of both northern and southern India.
The temples are witness to the cultural diversity, momentous traditions, and glorious history of ancient India. Along with being a place of worship, the temples see an influx of tourists due to their attractive intricate architecture.
To celebrate the grandeur and story of these temples, the Government of Karnataka organizes the annual Pattadakal Dance Festival. Each year, in January or February this dance festival is organised in the village itself and is attended by people from all over the world.
About Pattadakal Dance Festival
This festival is a three-day affair and a celebration of the temples. Intending to keep the cultural history of the place from perishing, this festival encourages various traditional dance and music forms of India including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Yakshagana, and many others.
These performances take place with the temples as the backdrop and some may also say that this is a view that takes the spectator’s breath away.
Partakers at this festival may be performers or spectators from around the globe. Some of the most famous classical dancers come to perform at the festival every year.
This festival is a striking reminder of the ancient association between people and the arts.
Along with the beautiful dance and music performances, artisans and craftsmen are encouraged to open up stalls and promote their talent and work at the Crafts Mela of the festival. Local merchantable crafts are put on display and the audience can buy art and other souvenirs from the stalls.
Along with being an excellent opportunity to familiarize oneself with various traditional dance forms of India, this festival also serves as a networking opportunity for artists, dancers, musicians, theatre professionals, and everyone associated with various arts.
The amazing architecture, historic ambiance, captivating performances, and unique crafts lure people from all around to come and attend the festival.
This annual dose of cultural exuberance sponsored by the Government of Karnataka is not only a treat for lovers and enthusiasts of arts and history but for anyone who witnesses it.
The Pattadakal Dance Festival is a promise of splendor and magnificence.
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Pattadakal is a town in the state of Karnataka in India which hosts the famous cultural dance event known as ‘Pattadakal Dance festival’ once in a year in the month of January.
The ‘Pattadakal Dance Festival’ is a festival which explores the cultural heritage of India. This festival is celebrated with grandeur amidst the famous Shiva temples constructed during the seventh and eighth centuries.
The festival is a three day event which includes exquisite performances by known personalities against the backdrop of the magnificent temples which highlights India’s architectural wealth.
The temples are unique because they are a combination of the architectural styles which are prevalent in the North India i.e. the Nagara Style and South India i.e. the Dravidiyan Style.
‘The Pattadakkal Dance Festival’ is a divine and breathtaking experience set amidst this world heritage site.
The festival is also known as Chalukya Dance Festival as Pattadakal happens to be the ancient capital of the Chalukyan kings.
The ‘Nrithyotsava’ or the ‘Pattadakal Dance festival’ at Pattadakal is an event organized by the Government of Karnataka to revive the beautiful classical art-forms that have lost their glory due to globalization.
The festival is set amidst the ten beautiful temples of Lord Shiva and looks not just a dance festival but also a celebration of the stunning beautiful & spectacular architecture of the temples.
Some dance performances are also performed at Badami and Aihole which are also world renowned temples.
Famous dancers from all over India take part in this festival. The festival is a visual treat for the lovers of music and dance as it showcases the best of classical dance and music.
Apart from the cultural programs, a Crafts Mela is organized for the craftsmen to display their beautiful art work at reasonable prices.
Artisans from all over the state of Karnataka get this golden opportunity to market their artifacts and crafts that are usually not found in the crafts emporia to the tourists who never miss to take home some of these memorable souvenirs.
The world famous Pattadakal Dance Festival is a rare event that art lovers can never afford to miss.
After enjoying the three day extravaganza of some breath taking performances by prominent artists from across the country one can explore the architectural intricacies of the Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshvara Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Kashivisvanatha Temple, Kadasiddhesvara and Jambulingeswara’ temples, Galganatha temple and Jain Temples.
Pattadakal, set on the banks of river Malaprabha is widely popular for these ancient temples.
It is believed that the King of Chalukya dynasty constructed these magnificent structures which set an example of India’s diversity even today.
Some pillars in these temples still bear the inscriptions on them which truly gets one closer to the rich cultural heritage of India.
‘Pattadakal Dance Festival’ is therefore the best time to visit Pattadakal as one can immerse completely in the classical music and dance forms of India, and also have a glimpse of the great Chalukyan architecture.
