TranslateWhen: February/March
Natyanjali is a dance offering held in the precincts of the Nataraja temple at Chidambaram, beginning on Maha Shivaratri. Dancers from across India perform Bharatanatyam and other classical forms in front of the shrine of Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, in a setting where the 108 karanas of classical dance are carved into the temple gopuram.
When
Begins on Maha Shivaratri (February or March)
Where
Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Cuddalore district
Duration
Around five days
Main highlight
Bharatanatyam performed before the Nataraja shrine
Performances run through the evenings on a stage set within the temple complex. Solo artists, senior gurus and dance school ensembles perform in succession, offering their art rather than presenting a ticketed concert. Bharatanatyam dominates, but Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak and Mohiniyattam also feature.
The Chidambaram Nataraja temple is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing space. Its east gopuram carries sculptural depictions of all 108 karanas described in the Natya Shastra, making it the single most important site in the classical dance tradition. Performing here is considered a significant milestone for a dancer.
Chidambaram is in Cuddalore district, about 240 kilometres from Chennai, with rail connections and good road access from Pondicherry and Kumbakonam. Entry to the performances is generally free. Similar Natyanjali events are held at Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur temples around the same period.
