SOTC Blog

India is a land where culture and spirituality intertwine, and artistic treasures are revealed through celebrations that go beyond mere spectacles. Natyanjali Dance Festival is held in the heart of Tamil Nadu, near the bustling city of Chennai. It is a mesmerising ode to Lord Shiva, the Cosmic Dancer, and is celebrated as an offering to the divine.

This annual festival takes place on the auspicious eve of Mahashivratri and transforms the temple town of Chidambaram into a celestial stage. This cultural extravaganza is a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism of Tamil Nadu and the Natyanjali Trust. This unique festival is more than a showcase of dance forms; it embodies the essence of “Unity in Diversity.” The very name Natyanjali signifies a divine offering where local and global artists converge to dedicate their art.

Step into the magical realm of Natyanjali, where dance becomes a spiritual journey. The town of Chidambaram transforms into a haven for those seeking harmony in the divine symphony of movement and devotion.

Brief History of the Natyanjali Dance Festival

Nestled in the sacred embrace of Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram is a significant destination for spiritual and cultural seekers. This ancient city is enriched with the divine charm of Lord Shiva and has become a pilgrimage site for countless devotees. They come here to seek true knowledge and consciousness and are drawn by the city’s allure.

According to the legends intertwined with Saivite philosophy, Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Chidambaram, is revered as the “Lord of Consciousness.” The embodiment of his divine artistry lies in the Ananda Tandava, a dance of joy representing the fivefold acts of God – creation, protection, transformation, containment, and grace. Ananda Tandava is not merely a performance but a sacred expression. It is the dance of joy, and the idol of Lord Nataraja becomes the true ambassador for the art form. This recognition laid the foundation for the Natyanjali Dance Festival in 1981, an annual celebration in Chidambaram.

Conceived to preserve and pass on the rich tradition of Indian classical dance, this Dance Festival serves as a platform for artists to showcase their prowess. The festival, supported by the “Natyanjali Trust,” has evolved over the years, extending its reach beyond the ancient city to popular Tamil Nadu tourism places like Chennai, Thirunallar, Mayavaram, and Thiruvanaikoil, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and Nagapattinam.

Dates and Duration of Natyanjali Dance Festival

The Natyanjali Festival is a celebration of dance and devotion that takes place over five days. It begins with the grand Maha Shivratri festival, which usually falls in February to March. This year’s festivities will be from March 2 to March 10, 2024.

Dance Forms and Styles

The annual celebration draws dancers from every corner of India to offer their reverence to Lord Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer. In a breathtaking feat recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records, over 7,000 dancers graced the temple grounds simultaneously in 2019. The festival features a kaleidoscope of classical dance forms, including:

1. Kuchipudi: Originating from a rich dance-drama tradition, Kuchipudi is a classical Indian dance style. It emerged in the third and fourth decades of the 20th century, blending theatrical elements with dance.
2. Mohiniyattam: Hailing from the state of Kerala, Mohiniyattam is an elegant classical dance form. Named after Mohini, the enchantress avatar of Lord Vishnu, the dance is characterised by feminine charm.
3. Manipuri: Manipuri dance incorporates both masculine tandava and feminine lasya elements. It is a traditional dance form with roots in Manipur, ranging from vigorous to subdued.
4. Odissi: One of the ancient dance forms, Odissi originated in the temples of Odisha. Recognised as one of India’s eight accredited classical dance forms, it exhibits grace and spirituality.
5. Kathak: Kathak, a classical dance form from Uttar Pradesh, boasts a traditional and cultural heritage. It holds the status of an Indian classical dance form, showcasing both narrative and abstract elements.
6. Bharatanatyam: Originating in Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam is a classical dance expressing South Indian religious and spiritual themes.
7. Pung Cholam: Pung Cholam is a traditional Meitei dance form from Manipuri. Integral to Manipuri Sankirtana music and classical dance, it serves as the soul of Manipuri cultural expressions.

The Natyanjali Dance Festival showcases various dance forms, each with its own unique flavour. As the dancers pay homage to Lord Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer, the audience experiences a blend of tradition, devotion and cultural richness. This festival is a must-see among all the Chidambaram tourist places.

Venue & Architecture of Natyanjali Dance Festival

The Natyanjali Dance Festival unfolds against the magnificent backdrop of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, a marvel standing proudly in the heart of Tamil Nadu. The temple’s venue, the Prakarams, and the outer areas surrounding the temple become a sacred stage for this divine celebration.

Constructed nearly a millennium ago, during the peak of the Chola dynasty in the 10th century, the Nataraja Temple boasts unparalleled grandeur. This architectural gem serves as the perfect setting for the festival, with its four Prakarams providing a mesmerising backdrop to the performances. The temple, dedicated to Lord Nataraja, holds significance as the Chola dynasty’s family deity.

The temple itself is a splendid testament to ancient Indian architecture. Its main structure, roofed with gold, takes on an ethereal glow during the evening festivities when lamps illuminate the surroundings. This alone makes your visit to Chidambaram, a top recommendation for tourists exploring Madurai Tour Packages.

The towers, locally known as gopurams, embellish the temple at its nine entrances, adorned with intricate artwork depicting various Hindu texts and classical traditions. Of particular note is the eastern gopuram, featuring 108 reliefs of Natya Shastra. This masterpiece showcases all 108 forms of dance as performed by Lord Shiva, providing a visual feast for festival attendees.

As dancers pay homage to Lord Nataraja within this architectural masterpiece, the Natyanjali Dance Festival transcends performance to become a spiritual journey. Visitors not only witness the graceful dance forms but also absorb the divine energy emanating from the ancient temple, creating an immersive experience that leaves an indelible mark on those seeking cultural richness in the heart of Chidambaram.

How To Reach This Dance Festival

You can reach the temple for the Natyanjali Dance Festival by:

• Air: The nearest airport is Trichy, located 160 km away from Chidambaram.
• Rail: Chidambaram is well-connected by rail, with the railway station close to the Nataraja Temple. Express and passenger trains operate regularly to Chennai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, and Madurai.
• Road: Chidambaram has excellent road connectivity with Chennai, Pondicherry, Madurai, Thanjavur, and other nearby cities. Travellers can easily access the Natyanjali Dance Festival through well-maintained road networks.

Natyanjali Dance Festival at the Nataraja Temple is a divine journey blending culture, spirituality, and artistic brilliance. As dancers offer their homage to Lord Nataraja, visitors experience a spiritual resonance within the ancient architectural marvel.

Explore the cultural richness of Chidambaram Tourist Places during this festival, and consider enhancing your journey with SOTC’s curated Tamil Nadu Tour Packages. Embrace the symphony of movement and devotion in this spiritual haven.