Chidambaram, the beautiful temple town of Tamil Nadu, is well known not only for its amazing temples but also for its significant antiquity. Several dynasties have ruled here over time, namely the medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Later Pandya, Vijayanagar rulers, Marathas, and the British. The town boasts a rich heritage and traditions due to its cultural influences. This incredible town is famous for housing the marvellous Lord Nataraja Temple and also for the reputed Natyanjali Dance Festival. Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer, the Natyanjali Dance Festival, one of the famous dance festivals of South India, is observed as a tribute to the Lord of Dance (Lord Shiva, also known as Lord Nataraja).
Venue: Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu.
Join us on this reading venture to know more about the Natyanjali Dance Festival:
Natyanjali Dance Festival:
Begins on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivarathri, the spectacular Natyanjali Dance Festival is remarkable for its serenity and the uniqueness of the devotion of the dancers dedicating their ‘Dance’ (Natya) as ‘Offering’ (Anjali) to the Lord of Dance, Lord Nataraja.
What makes it unique from the other dance festivals is its devotional aspect. Natyanjali Dance Festival is celebrated for 5 days every year between February and March against the beautiful backdrop of the magnificent Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The golden roof of the temple, with pillars depicting Lord Nataraja in 108 poses from Bharatanatyam, Tamil Nadu’s classical dance, creates a truly divine setting for the incredible Natyanjali Dance Festival.
This vibrant Dance Festival began in 1981 with very few dancers and a small audience, but over time, its name and fame spread beyond its boundaries. Internationally reputed classical dancers as well as amateur dancers from all over the world and from all parts of India congregate at Chidambaram in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja and offer their dances to the Lord. Many dancers believe that it is a blessing to be able to perform their first stage performance, ‘Arangettram’ at the ‘Prakara’ of the temple in Chidambaram, facing the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja. Different forms of Indian classical dance, such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, Pung Cholam, etc., are performed here, offering a visual treat for the audience under one roof.
Natyanjali Dance Festival is a joint venture of the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Natyanjali Trust. The main motive of this spectacular dance festival is to showcase the cultures of different states through various forms of Indian classical dance and to promote the message of ‘unity in diversity’. Like all other religious festivals in South India, the Natyanjali Dance Festival is also celebrated with immense passion and enthusiasm.
Popular Tourist Attractions In Chidambaram:
Though Chidambaram is a place of religious importance, famous for its many temples, it is also a quaint little paradise for nature lovers and tourists where they can relish in nature’s beauty while indulging in its spiritual ambience. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Chidambaram are:
- Thillai Nataraja Temple.
- Thillai Kaliamman Temple.
- Sivakamiamman Temple.
- Chathapurinathar Temple.
- Pichavaram Mangrove Forest.
- Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
- Sirkazhi.
- Poompuhar.
- Neyveli.
- Kalvarayan Hills.
- Tarangambadi.
How to get there?
By Air: Trichy International Airport, about 177.3 Km.
By Rail: Chidambaram Railway Station, about 1.6 Km.
By Road: Chidambaram is well connected to all major cities of the state by road. Direct bus service is available from cities such as Trichy, Madurai, Chennai, and Thanjavur to Chidambaram.
