Essay on Pattadackal Dance Festival
The village of Pattadackal, 20 km. from Badami in Karnataka, is situated on the left bank of the Malaprabha River. A world heritage centre and the second capital of the Chalukyan kings, Pattadackal has ten major temples representing both North and South Indian architectural traditions. Most of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The largest among them are Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna.
All these temples are architecturally splendid and have beautiful carvings, particularly the Papanatha temple pillars. Besides this, there is a group of temples remarkable for representing two chief styles of Indian architecture, the Dravidian architecture of Pallavas and the North Indian Nagara style, side by side. The detailed description in the sculptures of the temples give an insight into the social life of those days.
The Partadackal Dance Festival is held every year to celebrate the temples of Pattadackal. It is organised by the government of Karnataka. The other major attraction of the festival is a craft mela.
