Fusion of Art and Spirit at the Natyanjali Dance Festival in Tamil Nadu
Join thousands of Hindu pilgrims in the joy of dance in honor of Lord Shiva at Natyanjali dance festival
A key annual celebration, the Natyanjali dance festival in Tamil Nadu is a great stop to add on to any holiday in South India and a fantastic cultural experience. Since 1981, dancers of all styles and cultures come to Chidambaram to celebrate the god Shiva through their art. This is a two-week meeting of cultures and performances and a must-do if you are in the area.
Not only an artistic experience, Natyanjali attracts pilgrims with its spiritual dimension and will provide you with a unique insight into Tamil Nadu culture. You will delight in watching every classical Indian dance form, from Mohini Attam to Odissi and Kathak.
Where and when to go
The temple town of Chidambaram is an essential attraction on most Tamil Nadu tours, and therefore will be included in an itinerary worked out with your travel agent. Save yourself the trouble of booking everything and work with an experienced travel company to design a holiday which meets your interests while also allowing you to relax.
The festival takes place inside Chidambaram temple where you can admire Shiva in the Ananda Tandava pose, the Dance of Bliss.
Visit Chidambaram in February or March in order to catch the festival which runs for up to two weeks.
What to do in Chidambaram
You should plan to stay in Chidambaram for at least two nights in order to fully enjoy the dance festival. Chidambaram Temple is a key sight to see in daylight as well, as one of the five “Pancha Bootha” temples dedicated to the five elements. In your itinerary, you can also tick off the other four temples at Kalahasthi, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamali and Tiruvanaikkaval.