Khajuraho Local Customs

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I cycled into the old village of Khajuraho where a young guy popped out of nowhere and started to show me around. He pointed out about the different buildings that relate to different castes (similar to classes back home). Kids were being washed in the street whilst cow dung was being applied to the pavement outside in order to keep mosquito's away. Young girls were picking up fairly fresh cow dung with their hands where it is then dried against a wall in the sun and used for fuel.

Throughout this region you will find the Ashoka Tree. It maybe throughout all India for all I know but it is considered sacred by the Hindu’s as it is said that Lord Buddha was born under this tree. The foliage is really unusual in the respect that the leaves hang down.

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The Old State Bank of India building is a government run bank and will change travelers cheques and foreign exchange for you. Their hours are usually 10.00am to 2.00pm Mon-Fri and from 10.00am to noon on Saturdays.

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Try not to visit the town in summer as temperatures can get very hot and up to 37C. The winter months can also go in the opposite direction with temperatures plummeting to 4C. The wettest months are from July to September. I visited in April and it was warm without being oppressive. October to March are the best months.

Best time to Visit the Western Temples is first thing in the morning.

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This festival in Khajuraho is held during February or March every each to celebrate the famous temples. Some of the best classical dancers in India come to the town to perform during the 7 day event. The dancing is set against the backdrop of the temples at dusk. Also featured at the festival are Indian Arts and Crafts and there is a market in one of the open fields in the town.

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The Khajuraho Festival of Dances draws the best classical dancers in the country who perform against the spectacular backdrop of the floodlit temples every year in February/March.
The past and the present silhouetted against the glow of a setting sun becomes an exquisite backdrop for the performers.
In a setting where the earthly and the divine create perfect harmony - an event that celebrates the pure magic of the rich classical dance traditions of India. As dusk falls, the temples are lit up in a soft, dream-like ethereal stage.
The finest exponents of different classical Indian styles are represented - Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, and many more.

Wherever you find water in India, you'll bound to find people washing clothes or themselves in it! The stagnant water of the Sagar (lake) looks really green and dirty but they still wash in it.

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Just 5kms outside of Khajuraho, there is a weekly bazaar which is held in a small town called Rajinagar. This is held on Tuesdays and you can pick up some good buys on brass and silverware.