Natyanjali Dance Festival

Held during February or March, Natyanjali dance festival is celebrated with full zest in Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Nataraj, the festival is a way to offer regards to the deity with dance performances. Dancers from all over the country visit Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu to mark their presence in the festival. This five-days long celebration is entirely based on dance performances. Natyanjali dance festival begins from the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri.

Significance

Derived from two words 'Natya' and 'Anjali', Natyanjali festival is a way of offering prayers to the deity by performing dance. Initiative of Natyanjali Trust and The Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu, Natyanjali festival has the two reasons of celebrations. First reason is that offering prayers to the great Cosmic Dancer? Lord Nataraj and the second reason is to spread the message of unity in diversity.

Rituals

The only ritual of the festival is to pay homage to the deity. Traditionally dressed dancers from all over the globe mark their presence in the festival. Dressed in traditional attires, these dancers look amazing. Be it a popular name or the local dancer, every participent gets equal opportunity to perform.

Natyanjali festival in Tamil Nadu is celebrated with great pomp and show. Stretched for five days, the festival is the showcase to the tradition and culture of Tamil Nadu. Held in prakara of Chidambaram temple, the festival is entire celebration of dance. Tourists from different locations from across the globe visit the region either to get the glimpses of the culture or to participate in the festival.

The temple that serves as a location of the festival holds a significant position. Built thousands of years ago, it allures heritage lovers. Beautifully carved, this magnificent temple adds a beautiful backdrop to the dance performances. Here dancers depict around 108 poses of the classical dance, Bharatnatyam.