The festival is most famously held at the Chidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu, which is a major shrine dedicated to Lord Nataraja. However, similar festivals are also celebrated in other parts of Tamil Nadu and India. Dancers from all over India and the world come to perform at the Natyanjali Dance Festival. It is a platform for both renowned and upcoming dancers to showcase their talent. The performances include various classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak, and Mohiniyattam.
The Natyanjali festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is celebrated every year for five days in the temple premise. 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. 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.The Natyanjali festival dedicated to the Cosmic Dancer (Lord Shiva) is celebrated every year during February-March. Lord Nataraja, according to Hindu mythology is the cosmic dancer. He is also called "the Lord of Dances". The festival is not just a dance event but a spiritual offering to Lord Nataraja. It is believed that performing at the Chidambaram Temple brings divine blessings and spiritual elevation.
The festival usually lasts for five days, starting on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri. Each day features numerous dance performances that continue well into the night. The Natyanjali Dance Festival is organized by various cultural organizations, local authorities, and temple committees. It has the support of the government and cultural bodies promoting Indian classical arts.
Natyanjali festival opens on the auspicious occasion of the Maha Shivaratri day and of course in the right kind of venue - the Prakara of the Chidambaram temple. The magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built a thousand years ago, provides a beautiful backdrop for the event. The setting is truly divine-Chidambaram s gold-roofed temple, with pillars depicting Lord Nataraja in 108 poses from Bharatanatyam - Tamil Nadu s classical dance.
The Natyanjali Dance Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence. Here’s an overview of how the festival is typically celebrated:
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Opening Ceremony: The festival usually begins with a special puja (ritual worship) dedicated to Lord Nataraja at the Chidambaram Temple. This marks the official start of the festival and sets a spiritual tone for the performances.
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Dance Performances: Throughout the festival, numerous classical dance performances are held. Each day features a variety of dance forms, with dancers performing traditional pieces that highlight their skill, artistry, and the rich heritage of Indian dance. Performances take place in the temple premises as well as in nearby venues.
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Special Events: In addition to dance performances, the festival may include workshops, lectures, and discussions on classical dance and related topics. These events provide educational opportunities for both participants and attendees.
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Devotional Atmosphere: The temple environment during the festival is vibrant and filled with spiritual energy. Devotees and visitors often participate in the temple rituals, offering prayers and performing traditional ceremonies.
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Cultural Programs: There are often additional cultural programs, including music performances, folk dances, and traditional art exhibitions that complement the main dance performances.
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Community Participation: The festival sees active participation from local communities, including volunteers who help with organizing and managing the events. The involvement of local artists, schools, and cultural organizations adds to the festive spirit.
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Tourism and Hospitality: The festival attracts visitors from all over India and abroad. Local hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants often experience a surge in business during the festival, and the local government usually makes arrangements to accommodate the influx of tourists.
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Finale: The festival concludes with a grand finale, which may include special performances, a closing ceremony, and a final puja. The end of the festival is marked by a sense of fulfillment and spiritual contentment for both participants and attendees.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें