The Story
OrganizerThe Modhera Sun Temple was built in 1026 AD during the golden age of the Solanki (Chaulukya) dynasty by King Bhimdev I as a monument to the Sun God. Its Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall), Gudhamandapa (vestibule) and Garbhagriha (sanctum) are aligned so that the sun's first rays illuminate the deity during the equinoxes -- a feat of ancient astronomical engineering. The tradition of Nagar Utsav (festival in the vicinity of temples) predates the modern festival; the State Government formalized the annual Modhera Dance Festival to revive this tradition and position the temple as a living cultural venue rather than merely an archaeological site. The Uttarardh name derives from the Sun's astronomical position: Uttarayan marks the Sun's northward journey (Sagittarius to Capricorn); Uttarardh marks the halfway point. The festival was conceived to present classical dance forms in the atmosphere in which they were originally performed -- devotional arts in a sacred architectural context.
Modhera Dance Festival's significance combines the astronomical precision of the Sun Temple with the living practice of classical Indian dance. Unlike auditorium performances, dance at Modhera is situated in a devotional context -- performers 'bring to life' the carved figures on the temple walls, establishing a visual dialogue between ancient sculpture and contemporary performance. The temple's UNESCO candidacy (part of the Sun Temples serial nomination) adds international dimension to what has been a consistently significant regional festival.
Visit the Modhera Dance Festival, or Uttarardh Mahotsav, to see classical dancers perform before the exquisite 11th-century Sun Temple of Modhera, its carved mandapa and stepped tank glowing at dusk. Held after Uttarayan, the festival pairs Gujarat's finest heritage architecture with Bharatanatyam, Kathak and other forms, creating an atmospheric celebration of dance in one of the subcontinent's most beautiful temple settings.
