The annual dance festivals held in temples to coincide with the festival of Shivaratri are growing in Tamil Nadu. In a way, these festivals are bringing back dance to where it belonged.

The practice was revived in a very small and symbolic manner at the famed Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, a little over 25 years ago. This initiative was the work of a few people who were passionate about Indian music and dance.

Slowly, others were inspired. And dance festivals were held in other temple towns. Today, dance performances are held in the temples at Thiruvarur and Thirunallar, Nagapattinam and Kumbakonam, Thanjavur and Pondicherry, besides Chidambaram. And also in the temples of Chennai, like Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore.

Dance fest in Thanjavur

The Brahan Natyanjali Foundation, Thanjavur is organising a Seven Day Dance Festival - Brahan Natyanjali 2009 from feb. 23 to March 1 at the World Heritage Centre, Thanjavur Big Temple starting with Mahashivarathiri Day (i.e.) Feb. 23.

To participate in the festival and for details contact Phone 098424-55765 or 04362 -238235.
Email id is bnfoundation@rediffmail.com

Natyanjali at Chidambaram

Chidambaram is special. This is where the dancers were invited to the temple precincts to perform a little over 25 years ago. Then, the 1000-pillared sabha in this temple was the stunning stage for the artistes. Now, this structure has been protected and the dance fest is held in the eastern outer courtyard of the temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja. The annual fest is hosted by the members of the Natyanjali Trust - a cheerful, low profile band of people who do a great job as managers of the event. The festival will begin from Feb. 23 evening. The recitals go on past midnight on Shivaratri day and end up the next morning!

The Natyanjali Trust which hosts the event proposes to present lots of up and coming dancers this time around.

For more details contact phone no. 04144 - 222732

Natyanjali at Kumbakonam

The annual Natyanjali dance fest at the Sri Kumbeswarar Temple in Kumbakonam will be held on Feb.21 to 24.
Dance programmes will be held from 6pm to 12midnight on Feb. 23.
The fest is held in the courtyard of this temple and starts at about 6pm on Feb 21, 22, 23 and 24.

For details, contact Natyanjali Trust Kunbakonam, Moopanar Bungalow, Dr. Besant Road, Kumbakonam.

E-mail : natyanjalikmu@yahoo.co.in. Phone : 0435 - 2442396

Kutcheribuzz can host videos of dance performances. Click here for details

Click here to read the report on the last year's festival.