Sirpur Dance and Music Festival is an esteemed cultural carnival celebrated in Sirpur region of Mahasamund district in the Indian state Chhattisgarh. Organized by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, the festival aims at bringing together diverse artists belonging to the cultural arena on a common platform and promoting international cultural amity and brotherhood. This grand event is an effort to congregate the exquisite and varied music and dance forms of the country. Artists hailing from different parts of the country arrive at Sirpur Dance and Music Festival to showcase the wondrous arts of India which has enriched the national heritage over years. This three days event, celebrated every year in the month of January, is a confluence of art and culture. The festival is a tribute to one of the most enchanting and significant archaeological site of India.
Venue of Sirpur Dance and Music Festival
The monumental and archaeological significance of Sirpur region makes the event further more prominent and enjoyable. Although much of the ruins in Sirpur are still unexcavated, the relics found in the region are immensely riveting. The silent yet dazzling bricks of the ancient Lakshmana temple, dating back to 7th century, form the enchanting backdrop of the cultural festivity creating an aura of captivating antiquity.
The haunting relics of Shiva temples and Tantric Buddhist Viharas standing gracefully amidst the tribal lands of Gonds further add to the charm of the festival. The grandeur of the event has heightened with each passing year inviting more artists to this cultural extravaganza.
Features of Sirpur Dance and Music Festival
Sirpur Dance and Music Festival holds a national repute of featuring the prominent artists having national as well as international acclaim. The cultural celebrations at the event include dance and music of classical, folk as well as tribal genres. Tribal dances featured in the event, including the fascinating Teejan Bai`s Pandwani, Raut Nritya and Panthi Nritya, possess a distinct appeal. The event is also graced by splendid performances of Kathak, Manipuri and other traditional dance forms. Some of the famed artists who have graced this festival over years are Padma Shri Prahlad Singh Tipaniya, Padma Shri Madhavi Mudgal, Padma Bhushan Pt. Chhannulal Mishra, Padma Vibhushan Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia and others. Sirpur Dance and Music Festival is an initiative of tourism board to promote Sirpur as a major cultural destination.
