Natyanjali Festival - नाट्यान्जली समारोह
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Located along the Bay of Bengal, about 75 kilometers from Pondicherry is the beautiful land of Chidambaram. It is well known not only as a tourist's paradise for the beautiful beaches but also for the reputed Natyanjali Dance Festivals. Dedicated to the Cosmic Dancer, Lord Nataraja, the Natyanjali Dance Festival is a tribute to the Lord of Dance.
A joint venture of the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram, the Natyanjali Dance Festivals is one of the most popular dance festivals of south India.
The holy city of Chidambaram, known as the 'city of the Cosmic Dancer' is located 245 Km away from Chennai. The ancient Nataraja temple of Chidambaram pays special tribute to Lord Nataraja- the dancing Shiva. The magnificent gold roofed temple situated in the middle of the town has a bronze image Bharat Natyam Dance of Nataraja in a dancing pose known throughout the world as the most perfect synthesis in metal art. The temple has carved pillars depicting Lord Nataraja in 108 poses of Bharathanatyam classical dance in the eastern tower.
The Natyanjali festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is celebrated every year during February-March for five days in the temple premises. This is an opportunity for all dancers, from all over India, to perform and to pay their tribute to Lord Nataraja. It begins on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. During this time leading dancers from all parts of India congregate and dance in the temple as an offering to Nataraja. Many dancers think it is a blessing to be able to perform their 'arangettam' (first stage performance) in the vicinity of the sanctum sanatorium of Lord Nataraja in Chidambaram. The festival lasts for 5 days.
Natyanjali festival is jointly organised by The Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, The Ministry Of Tourism, Government of India and The Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram. It is designed to promote a universal message of 'Unity in Diversity' conveyed in the universal language of music and dance.
A joint venture of the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram, the Natyanjali Dance Festivals is one of the most popular dance festivals of south India.
The holy city of Chidambaram, known as the 'city of the Cosmic Dancer' is located 245 Km away from Chennai. The ancient Nataraja temple of Chidambaram pays special tribute to Lord Nataraja- the dancing Shiva. The magnificent gold roofed temple situated in the middle of the town has a bronze image Bharat Natyam Dance of Nataraja in a dancing pose known throughout the world as the most perfect synthesis in metal art. The temple has carved pillars depicting Lord Nataraja in 108 poses of Bharathanatyam classical dance in the eastern tower.
The Natyanjali festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is celebrated every year during February-March for five days in the temple premises. This is an opportunity for all dancers, from all over India, to perform and to pay their tribute to Lord Nataraja. It begins on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. During this time leading dancers from all parts of India congregate and dance in the temple as an offering to Nataraja. Many dancers think it is a blessing to be able to perform their 'arangettam' (first stage performance) in the vicinity of the sanctum sanatorium of Lord Nataraja in Chidambaram. The festival lasts for 5 days.
Natyanjali festival is jointly organised by The Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, The Ministry Of Tourism, Government of India and The Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram. It is designed to promote a universal message of 'Unity in Diversity' conveyed in the universal language of music and dance.