Making the Right Moves at the Modhera Dance Festival

The Modhera Dance Festival is an annual event organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited. The festival is a 3-day event held in the third week of January. It coincides with the end of the Uttarayan festival. Uttarayan marks the end of winter, and Gujaratis celebrate it with a kite flying fest.

The festival is held in Modhera village. The imposing Sun temple forms the backdrop for the festival. The 11th century temple was built by the kings of the Solanki empire on the knoll of a hill in Modhera village. The temple is positioned on the hill in such a manner that the first rays of the morning sun light up the deity in the innermost sanctum of the temple. The Modhera temple is noted for its sculptures, especially those of the Sun God.

What Happens at the Modhera Dance Festival?

The festival sees classical and folk dancers from across the country coming to this little village in Gujarat for the pleasure of dancing in an atmosphere that is similar to the days when these dance forms were evolving. The Sun temple and its environs add a special charm and appeal to the dance performances. The performances are appreciated by connoisseurs of dance who come from across the country for the festival. 

The people from Modhera and its neighboring villages are a vital and vibrant part of the festival.

The aim of the festival was not only to showcase India’s different dance and art forms, but also to present them in a setting that would evoke the glories of the past. Every year, efforts are made to ensure that dance troupes and performers from all over the country are invited and that there is a variety of dance forms on display.

Where is Modhera and How to Reach It