COVERING A VAST AREA of 443, 406 sq km Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh constitute the geographic heart of India. Between them, they border on to seven states, have one-third of India'S forest cover, and are home to -40 percent of the country's tribal population. Madhya Pradesh is crossed by the Vindhya and the Satpura mountains, and its main river is the Narmada, in the states rugged north are the famous Khajuraho temples, while eastern Madhya Pradesh has two of India’s finest game sanctuaries, Bandhavgarh and Kanha. The scenic Malwa Plateau in the south west has the great Buddhist stupa of Sanchi and the romantic 15th—16th century citadel of Mandu.
In November 2000, the thickly forested and remote southeast, with its predominantly tribal population, became the new state of Chhattisgarh.
FESTIVALS :
Shivratri (Feb/Mar), Khajuraho, The celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated with colorful processions and an elaborate nightlong re-enactment of the wedding ritual in the Matangeshwar Temple.
Dance Festival (Feb/Mar), Khajuraho, During this week-long festival, India's leading classical dancers perform in front of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple. The postures and grace of the dancers are echoed in the exquisite stone sculptures of apsaras in the temple.
Dussehra (Sep/Oct) Chhattisgarh, This ten-day festival in honour of Rama is celebrated with great gaiety in the Bastar tribal heartland of Chhattisgarh. Along with lively drama-tized episodes from the Ramayana there are also colourful tribal fairs with dancing, cock-fights and spirited bartering of goods.
Chaityagiri Vihara Festival (Nov), Sanchi. Buddhists from all over the subcontinent gather at Sanchi to view the relics of two of the Buddha's closest disciples.
Tansen Music Festival (Nov / Dec), Gwalior, Named after the great musician Tansen, one of the "nine jewels" at the court of Mughal emperor Akbar, this festival brings together the best classical musicians and singers from all over the country'.
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