What can be more inviting than exploring a World Heritage Site and attending a culturally rich dance and music festival, both in one visit? The four-day Ajanta- Ellora Festival is an exotic and delightful dance and music festival held at the Soneri Mahal in the traditional city of Aurangabad. The impressive surroundings of the Ajanta-Ellora Caves and temples will make your visit all the more alluring.
This festival, organised annually by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, showcases renowned musicians and dancers from all over India as well as provides an opportunity to explore the magnificent caves, filled with history.
Performers at the Festival
Ajanta Ellora Festival is cited as one of the biggest cultural extravaganza showcasing some of the finest talents the country has. This grand ceremony of Indian classical art features some of the world-renowned performers of the country, who with their talents have mesmerised the audience across the world.
The festival which has seen some of the finest performers like Zakir Hussain, Pandit Jasraj, Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ghulam Ali, Hariharan and Hema Malini gracing the stage previously, has an impressive line-up this year too.
The festival this features a ballet performance by Hema Malini and her daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, Kuchipudi dance performance by Shalu Jindal and the well known Kuchipudi dancing couple Dr Raja and Radha Reddy, flute recital by Ronu Mazumdar, vocal recitals by Ustad Rashid Khan and Arti Ankallar, Mandolin performance by Sugato Bhaduri and Sufi performances by Kailesh Kher and Kavita Seth.
Other festivities at Ajanta Ellora Festival
Other than these performances you can also explore Jatra – a regional handicraft festival, Jatan – an exhibition of ancient artefacts and relics and Pangat which is an exhibition of culinary delicacies of Marathwada, in addition to Jalsa festival that showcases regional traditional folk art forms.
Festivities at Kalagram
Kalagram the craft haat of Aurangabad will be debuting from this year as a second venue for the Ajanta Ellora Festival and will be hosting performing arts, food and craft festival. The ambience created will be such that it caters to everyone especially the youth of the country.
With this new venue, Ajanta Ellora Festival is now a host to some of the finest artists of the country, and promotes handicrafts along with performing arts thus providing opportunities for local artists and artisans.
Tickets for the Festival
Tickets are available from 19th January 2013 and range from INR 25 to INR 600. Students can bring their school or college I-card to avail the discounts on tickets. You can buy tickets form any MTDC office in the city.
