Natyanjali dance festival 2024

Natyanjali Dance Festival 2024 a yearly festival held in the month of february and march, dedicated to the hindu god lord shiva. It is a vibrant celebration of culture while promoting the idea of ‘Unity in Diversity’ through dance and music. Dancers from different parts of India come to Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu to mark their presence in Natyanjali Dance Festival. Natyanjali Dance Festival begins during the auspicious day of mahashivratri. 

In this article we will talk about Natyanjali dance festival’s history, origin, significance, events, rituals, venue, location, dates, entry fee, and lastly we will discuss how you can apply for the dance festival. 

About

Natyanjali Festival is a colorful culmination of culture, promoting the idea of ‘Unity in Diversity’ through dance and music. It’s celebrated in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu.  Dancers from all over India come to this festival to pay respect to ‘Lord Nataraja’ an avatar of lord shiva through their performance. The word “Nataraja” comes from ‘Anjali’ and ‘Natya’ which means offering and dance respectively. This five day festival is solely dedicated to dance. 

The Natyanjali Festival is a joint effort of three parties: the Department of Tourism – Government of Tamil Nadu, Natyanjali Trust – Chidambaram and Ministry of Tourism – Government of India. The thousand year old Nataraja Temple holds a significant position for the festival, which makes beautiful settings for dances. This temple is also an example of old  Indian architecture.

History and Origin

The origin of Natyanjali Festival starts back in 1981. Over the years, it’s been happening in the different temples across places like Chennai, Madurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and more. But one at its original spot ‘the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram’ is considered to be the best place to attend this gathering. Chidambaram is said to be a holy city, perfect for cultural gathering and trips. People from all over the county come to visit this festival. As the legend says, lord shiva represents true knowledge and awareness. 

Significance

Derived from Anjali and Natya, Natyanjaldi festival is a way of offering to lord shiva by performing classical dance. The Natyanjali Trust and The Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu organize this festival for two main reasons: to pray to Lord Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer, and to promote the idea of unity in diversity

Events 

There are several events and classical dance performance such as:

• Pung Cholam
• Kuchipudi 
• Odissi
• Mohiniyattam
• Kathak
• Manipuri
• Bharatanatyam

Dancers from all over India and other countries come to this holy festival to perform on the sacred ground in the honor of Lord Nataraja. 

Rituals during Fest

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The main ritual of the Natyanjali Dance Festival 2024 is showing respect to Lord Nataraja. Dancers from all over  India and other countries come to this festival wearing traditional dresses. They look good in those traditional attire. Everyone, whether they are well known or locals, gets an equal opportunity to perform.

Natyanjali dance festival 2024 venue

The dance performance takes place in the outer area called Prakaram, surrounding the Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, also known as the Thillai Nataraja Temple. The festival will begin on the auspicious day of maha shivratri starts from march 2 and lasts for march 10 in 2024.

The festival involves various dance performances such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri, Odissi, and Pung Cholam.

Natyanjali dance festival 2024 Location

The Natyanjali Dance Festival 2024 will take place at the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. This festival is also celebrated in the different temples of chennai, Madurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and more. But the main Festival is celebrated at the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram. 

Natyanjali dance festival 2024 dates and Time 

The Natyanjali dance festival 2024 dates are February 27, 28, 29, and March 1, and 2. The festival will last for five days. The dance performance will start from 3 PM and last till 9 PM.

Entry Fee

There will be no entry fee for the Natyanjali Dance Festival 2024. As per the official website of utsav there will be no charge for any of the events held during the festival. 

Natyanjali dance festival 2024 application

Dancer interested in participating in Natyanjali Dance festival 2024 can send their application along with a detailed artistic profile and photos via email to: southzoneculturalcentre@gmail.com.  South Zone Cultural Centre will handle the application request.

Also South Zone Cultural Centre will offer basic accommodation, food, local travel, and a stage for performances without charging any fees. Devotees will only have to bear the travel expenses to and from the event. 

Be aware, the South Zone Cultural Centre hasn’t given permission to anyone to act on its behalf or contact artists. So, if someone claims to be from SZCC and offers programs, it’s at the risk of the artists or institutions.

How to reach 

To reach Natyanjali Dance Festival 2024, you can consider the following methods:

By Air: The nearest international airport to Nataraja temple is Chennai International Airport (MAA) and the nearest domestic airport is in pondicherry 66 km away from Chidambaram. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to reach Nataraja Temple. 

By Train: The nearest railway station is Villupuram Junction, which is about 40 km from Chidambaram. You can take a taxi or bus from the station to reach Nataraja temple. 

By Road: Chidambaram is well connected by road, you can hire a taxi or use your personal vehicle to reach the venue. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Natyanjali Dance Festival 2024 celebrates our rich cultural heritage and the magic of dance. Held at the ancient Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, it honors Lord Shiva and showcases various Indian dance styles like Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Everyone can join, and there’s no entry fee! It’s a chance to express spirituality and artistry together.

Whether you love history, performances, or being part of a diverse community, Natyanjali 2024 promises an amazing time. It’s more than just a festival; it’s a lively celebration of life, culture, and devotion.

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