I Visited This Hidden Town in Madhya Pradesh and Attended Their Most Underrated Festival

The Inaugural ceremony

The inaugural ceremony was a grand affair. Hosted by singer Swanand Kirkire and actor Gauahar Khan, the evening began against the backdrop of the Jahangir Mahal that served as the canvas on which the town's rich history was painted for us to marvel. Brilliant projection mapping coupled with an enchanting narration by Manoj Bajpai took us to the very beginnings of Orchha. As the night progressed, we were enraptured by foot-tapping performances by Clinton Cerejo and Shilpa Rao, while Prahlad Singh Tipanya, a Malwi folk style singer took our breath away with his renditions of Kabir bhajans. The extravagant music and dance performances touched my heart and the magical evening culminated with the rain gods showering their blessings on us!

A photowalk through Orchha's rich heritage

The next morning began early, for we were scheduled to explore Orchha's forts and temples that date back to the 16th century. We started our excursion at the chattris or cenotaphs that line the ghats of the Betwa River. Constructed in honour of the rulers who reigned, the sandstone chattris looked glorious as they glistened under the rays of the rising sun. Next up, we explored the Chaturbhuj Temple that is known for its dark alleys and passageways that lead to the very top of its main spires! The view of Orchha from the top was absolutely stunning and truly a photographer's delight. We also explored the famed Ram Raja Temple where Lord Ram has been exalted to the position of King. Our final destination was the Orchha Fort Complex that boasts of the magnificent Jahangir Palace, Sheesh Mahal and Rajmahal Palace.

A glimpse into the food and crafts of Madhya Pradesh

The Food and Craft Bazaar situated within the Orchha Fort Complex had been set up to give us a deeper insight into the culture of Madhya Pradesh. Artisans from across the state came together to showcase their traditional art and crafts. On display were Chanderi sarees, gorgeous Bagh prints and beautiful Gond paintings, among other handicrafts from towns and villages of Madhya Pradesh. For someone who mostly shops branded items without sparing a thought for the process that goes into making the clothes that I love, it was fascinating to interact with local artisans. To learn the intricate process that goes into the making of every stole and saree that was on display was a wondrous experience.

Local, authentic food carved a special place in the hearts of all visitors. I had the opportunity to taste onda, bada, mangoda (pulse-based snacks) and sannato (Madhya Pradesh's version of buttermilk!). Food forms an integral part of a town's culture, and partaking Madhya Pradesh's unique cuisine offered me an indelible taste of the region.

Music by the Betwa River

The Betwa Ghat had been transformed into a spectacle for a very special evening. A beautiful stage stood against the clear waters of the pristine Betwa River, overlooking Orchha's famous chattris on the other side. The event was hosted by actor Swara Bhaskar and every moment of that evening had been curated to offer us a truly spiritual experience. First up, the much loved Hindustani Classical singer, Shubha Mudgal ( recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri Award) took the stage and enchanted us with her voice. Her performance was followed by Aditi Mangaldas and dancers from The Drishtikon Dance Foundation who stunned us with a Kathak recital – Khoj. The evening’s finale was a Maha Aarti that was offered to River Betwa. With bells ringing galore and dancers from Sadhya Dance taking the stage, even atheists and agnostics in the audience were pulled into the wave of devotion and piety.

A night of music and revelry under the Baobab Tree

It is said that it was the Mughals who brought the Baobab Tree to Orchha. Typically found in Africa, the Baobab Tree of Orchha (the only such tree in India, claim the locals) makes for quite an attraction. Day 2 of Namaste Orchha bore witness to spellbinding music performances by some of the most renowned musicians within India and from other parts of the world. It was fusion music that we tapped our feet to, till late at night. Mrigya, an Indian World Fusion band set the note for the night as they performed their song 'Procession' with Sukriti Sen Bhattacharya. The song was a fusion of the Rigveda chants and the Azaan! Next came the megastar, Manu Chao, a French-Spanish musician who can sing in 9 languages, including Greek!

From the very first strum of his guitar, Manu Chao had the audience on their feet and dancing without a care in the world. The night came to a close with the pioneers of fusion rock themselves – Indian Ocean. With their soulful songs like 'Bandeh', 'Kisi Rail Si' featuring Swanand Kirkire and other super-hits, the rock band enthralled us.

'The Picnic', a brunch by the banks of River Betwa

Curated by columnist and food writer, Anoothi Vishal, The Picnic brought together chefs from Orchha and around the country who presented inventive bites inspired by the local cuisines of Madhya Pradesh. Chef Vikramjit Roy's spread of Asian food and Chef Harangad Singh's contemporary take on the state's street food was a celebration for the taste buds. Dal baafla chaat, Bhopali mutton qorma and bhutte falafel served in earthen bowls exposed us to the flavours of Orchha.

Representing the authentic cuisine of Orchha was Vandana Dubey Ji's Bundelkhandi food, an eclectic spread that included bada, thandula-aloo sabzi and tamatar chutney-bathue ka raita. Upon striking a conversation with Vandana Ji, I learned that she conducts home cooking classes where she teaches tourists the art of cooking Bundelkhandi food. The sumptuous meal was washed down with exotic brews from Anandini, the Tea Whisperer by Anamika Singh. Brought from the lush valleys of Manjee Estate, the cuppas were presented with an Orchha twist. On offer were Ram Raja Blend Tea, Indian Bouquet and my favourite, Emerald Spiced, a tea that was infused with spices and marigold flowers.

On the bright and balmy last day of Namaste Orchha, the flavours of Madhya Pradesh served as a fitting finale to the invigorating three-days that I had experienced there.

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences

Apart from these immersive experiences, Namaste Orchha also hosted morning experiences that included Vinyasa Yoga Flow by Vasudha Rai, meditative breathing by Mini Shastri, cycling by Delhi By Cycle, rafting and kayaking by Manohar Lal and even helicopter joy rides!

Why you cannot miss the next edition of Namaste Orchha

Attending Namaste Orchha was like taking a three-day retreat in the lap of a town forgotten by time. I spent my days indulging in Orchha's culture, exploring its history, gorging on delicious food, and most importantly, experiencing the beauty of the performing arts in the presence of India's most accomplished artists.

Namaste Orchha is all set to be held once every year for the next five years. If you have been planning a trip to the town, I assure you that there isn’t a better way to delve into its beauty than by attending the second edition of Namaste Orchha. I had a spectacular time experiencing the rebirth of Orchha, and I cannot wait to discover it yet again next year!

Have you attended such cultural festivals across the country? Tell us all about your experience by creating a blog on Tripoto.

In association with Namaste Orchha.

Frequent Searches Leading To This Page:-

madhya pradesh offbeat places, orchha attractions, orchha madhya pradesh india, orchha tour itinerary, orchha madhya pradesh places to visit