Ceremonial Pride of Classical Music and Dance: The Pattadakal Dance Festival

Bharath is an epitome of elegance through its ancient traditions, culture, artistry, and heritage. Countless nuances strongly evince the great legacies continued over centuries. The Chalukyas’ unwavering cultural celebration, a royal commemoration of classical dance and music on the banks of the Malaprabha River, symbolizes the eternal extravaganza of our heritage. Pattadakal Nrityotsava, a classical occasion, celebrates the imperial prestige of dance and music. The Pattadakal dance festival  is an enticing ray of Karnataka “Karnatakada Kirana”

What is the Pattadakal Dance Festival?

The Pattadakal Dance Festival is an annual celebration of classical dance, preserving traditional elements. Many talented dancers perform in this prestigious ceremony, with artists from various places gathering to honor divine dance forms and embrace the mesmerizing aura of the event.

When Does the Pattadakal Dance Festival Happen?

The festival usually takes place in January every year.

History of Pattadakal Temples

The temples of Pattadakal were built by King Vikramaditya II (734–745 AD) and his queens, Lokmahadevi and Trilokyamahadevi. Their love for art led to the creation of ten temples adorned with shrines. The Chalukyas brought sculptors from Kanchipuram to construct these magnificent temples, featuring marvelous sculptures and astounding carvings. The cave paintings of Badami have been preserved as monuments.

Each shrine holds deep symbolic significance. Its miraculous glory is driving visitors into an exceptional astonishment. The sculptures beautifully merge Aryan and Dravidian styles, while Rekhanagar’s Pallava influences are evident in the artistic monuments. The site includes awe-inspiring structures such as the Jambulinga Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Galaganath Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Sangameswara Temple, Kada Siddeshwara Temple, Chandrasekhara Temple, Jain Temple, Papanath Temple, and Kasivishveshvara Temple.

A monolithic pillar at Pattadakal bears inscriptions in Siddhamatrika, Kannada, and early Tamil scripts, commemorating the reigns of Chalukya kings Vijayaditya and Vikramaditya. Each temple has its own significant story, reflecting the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Where is Pattadakal Situated?

Pattadakal is located on the banks of the Malaprabha River, near Bagalkot, Karnataka. It was previously called Raktapura, meaning “Red Soil Town.” Geographically, it lies amid sandy mountains and the Malaprabha River.

History of the Pattadakal Dance Festival

The name Pattadakallu means “The Stone of Commemoration.” To honor the region’s architectural and sculptural grandeur, the art-loving Chalukyas organized a dance festival to celebrate the temples. In ancient times, performing arts in royal courts and streets were both entertaining and culturally significant. Over time, the annual festival evolved to commemorate not only architecture but also music and dance.

The spectacular architectural backdrop enhances the grandeur of dance and musical performances. Pattadakal remains a highly revered stage for passionate dancers and musicians to showcase their talent in various classical art forms. Today, the Karnataka government organizes the festival annually, attracting thousands of enthusiastic spectators.

The Pattadakal Dance Festival has also created a platform for craftsmen from across India to showcase and sell their beautiful creations. It is best described as a cultural carnival that celebrates the successful realms of India’s rich heritage. This quintessential legacy continues uninterrupted, preserving history and values for generations. Experience the enlivening grandeur of the Chalukya era through this magnificent festival.

Conclusion:

It’s ecstatic to be present in the honourable occasion and witness the historic moments live. The vibes of many great artists’ and artisans’ performances inspire the soul with an incredible sense of cultural significance. Lord Nataraja brings the glory of ananda tandava in the backdrop of architectural Gopuras 'The monumental gateways of temples". Let's Cherish Government of Karnataka for promoting and endorsing the ancient traditions to the modern world. 

आङ्गिकम् भुवनम् यस्य वाचिकम् सर्ववाङ्गयम् ।

आहार्यं चन्द्रतारादि तं नुमः सात्त्विकं शिवम् ॥

Aangikam Bhuvanam Yasya

Vachikam Sarva vaanmayam

Ahaaryam Chandra taaradi

Tam Vande Sattwikam shivam

Meaning: I bow to the pure God Shiva, whose body is the entire universe, whose speech is the sound of the universe, and whose ornaments are the moon and the stars." 

🙏🏻🙏🏻shubhamastu 🙏🏻🙏🏻