Natyodaya 2024- Program

Shiva Shakthi Vilasam is a celestial journey that unfolds the ethereal realms where the cosmic energies of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati intertwine in dance, love, power, and creation. We present to you a mesmerizing journey through this Bharatanatyam recital. Let the cosmic dance unfold!

1. Vande Meenakshi                       Raga: Shankarabharanam      Tala:Adi

Little ones take their first steps into the world of dance, stringing together basic adavus in a delightful debut performance concluding with a tribute to Goddess Meenakshi.

Choreography: Vaishali Ramachandran

Composer: Muthuswami Deekshithar

Music: Smt Shruti Rajalakshmi

Dancers: Aadhirai Arunkumar Porkodi, Iniya Prabakaran, Vaishnavi Kongara

2.Pushpanjali: Offering of Celestial Flowers

The dancers offer celestial flowers to lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati through a Pushpanjali in Raga- Kadyothkanthi set to Adi Tala

Choreography: Vaishali Ramachandran

Dancers: Anvi Paleti, Meenakshi Sethuraman, Srilasya Modala, Yashaswini Donthireddy, Shreshta Kasaraneni, Tanvi Singamsetty, Vedha Sudhish.

3. Swarajathi           Raga: Kamas                 Tala:Adi

An ethereal dance exploring Lord Shiva’s Attributes in the enchanting tunes of Kamas Ragam. 

Choreography: Dr Padmaja Suresh,  

Group Choreography: Vaishali Ramachandran             

Dancers: Sanjana Ganesan, Nirvyaja Ponramajegan, Saanvi Madhan, Meenakshi Narayanan, Manasvini Chengavalli, Aaruni Rao.

4. Kanchadalayadakshi Kamakshi  Raga: Kamala Manohari      Tala:Adi

A composition describing the  beauty of Goddess Kamakshi by comparing her  to a resplendent lotus and a stunning full moon. It illustrates her compassion and grace, symbolizing the epitome of feminine power that she is.

Choreography: Vaishali Ramachandran

Composer: Muthuswami Deekshithar

Music: Smt Shruti Rajalakshmi

Dancers: Ratria Yoga, Nandhana Kavin Sangavi, Aradhana Anandkumar, Nirupama Chengavalli, Stavyaa Santhosh

5. Shyamale Meenakshi: “Madurai’s Radiant Queen”

A dance epic chronicle unfolds, depicting the life of Goddess Meenakshi, from her divine birth and triumphs up to the sacred union with Lord Shiva, famously known as the Thirukalyanam, all set to the enchanting notes of a beautiful Deekshithar’s nottuswaram.

Raga: Shankarabharanam        Tala:Adi 

Concept, Choreography & Nattuvangam: Vaishali Ramachandran

Music Composition & Vocal: Smt Sindhi Natarajan

Kanjeera: Sri N. Narayan

Dancers: Tara Ramanathan (Baby Meenakshi), Nirupama Chengavalli (Devi Meenakshi)  

Nirvyaja Ponramajegan (Lord Sundareshvara), Ratria Yoga (Maha Vishnu),

Sanjitha Harini Venkatesh, Sthuthi Malli, Aditi Karthigeyan, Nila Sengathir, Anagha Rao, Sashveena Anandkumar, Adya Shrivatsa, Nandhana Kavin Sangavi, Aradhana Anandkumar,, Stavyaa Santhosh, Sanjana Ganesan, Saanvi Madhan, Meenakshi Narayanan, Manasvini Chengavalli, Aaruni Rao.

6.Nalangu Symphony            Tala: Adi

Shiva, Parvati & the Ganas engage in a spirited Tala Vivadam, a celestial dance battle with Nandi on the Mridangam- a delightful twist on the traditional post-wedding ritual, the Nalangu. 

Concept & Rhythms: Vaishali Ramachandran & Stavyaa Santhosh.

Mridangam: Karthik Kartha, Student of Sri Natarajan Srrnivasan (Nandi Laya Vidyalaya)

Dancers: Sanjana Ganesan (Lord Shiva), Stavyaa Santhosh (Goddess Parvati), Nirvyaja Ponramajegan, Saanvi Madhan, Meenakshi Narayanan, Manasvini Chengavalli, Aaruni Rao, Ratria Yoga, Nandhana Kavin Sangavi, Aradhana Anandkumar, Nirupama Chengavalli

7. Amma Anandadayini

The narrative unfolds celebrating the divine mother as the bestower of bliss, and the embodiment of the sacred sound AUM, acknowledging her as the creator, protector, and destroyer of the cosmos. Through dance, the exploration reveals that everything, from creation to destruction, emanates from her divine essence, illustrating her omnipresence and omnipotence.

Raga: Gambeeranaatai      Tala:Adi

Choreography: Guru Dr Padmaja Suresh

Dancers: Vaishali Ramachandran (Artistic Director)

8. Nava Shakti,” – The Nine Manifestations 

The Nava Shaktis take the stage as Brahmani, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Vairahi, Nrusimhi, Aindri, Shivadoothi, and Chamundi. Each divine form gracefully unfolds, portraying the goddess’ infinite manifestations that nurture and safeguard the cosmos. The performance advances into traditional Kali Kowthwam and culminates with  the triumphant Mahishasura Mardini. Raga: Raagamalika, Tala:  Taalamalika            

Concept and Compilation: Chakyaar Koothu Sri K. K. Rajan

Choreography: Dr Padmaja Suresh                                                                                             

Composition: Verses from Devi Mahatmiyam                                                

Dancers: Sanjana Ganesan, Nirvyaja Ponramajegan, Saanvi Madhan, Manasvini Chengavalli, Aaruni Rao, Meenakshi Narayanan.

9. Ardhanarishwara: The Cosmic Union Unveiled

Witness the divine Ardhanarishwara, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati merge into one, embodying the perfect balance of masculine and feminine energies. This cosmic union sets the stage for a dance that transcends duality. The jathi section of the song was choreographed by students in collaboration with Vaishali.

Concept: Vaishali Ramachandran      

Music and Sloka Choreography – Shambho by Parshwanath Upahye                                                                                                                                 

Dancers: Vaishali Ramachandran, Sanjana Ganesan, Saanvi Madhan, Manasvini Chengavalli, Aaruni Rao.

10. Thillana                    Raga: Jhonpuri              Tala: Adi

 A vivacious rhythmic finale to a Bharatanatyam recital is always a Thillana. This piece along with its intricate rhythmic pattern, seeks Lord Shiva’s protection from all evil while describing him as Aadi Theertankara, the supreme and the radiant one with cosmic locks. This will be followed by a Shiva Mangalam, marking an auspicious end.

Choreography – Vaishali Ramachandran

Music – Shambho by Parshwanath Upahye

Dancers: Ratria Yoga, Nandhana Kavin Sangavi, Aradhana Anandkumar, Nirupama Chengavalli, Stavyaa Santhosh