Natyanjali
festival
The ancient Nataraja temple of Chidambaram pays special
tribute to Lord Nataraja - the dancing Shiva. The temple
has carved pillars depicting Lord Nataraja in 108 poses
of Bharathanatyam classical dance in the eastern tower.
The Natyanjali festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is celebrated
every year for five days in the temple premises. It
begins on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri.
During this time leading dancers from all parts of India
congregate and dance in the temple as an offering to
Nataraja. Natyanjali festival is jointly organised by
The Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu,
The Ministry Of Tourism, Government of India and The
Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram. It is designed to promote
a universal message of 'Unity in Diversity' conveyed
in the universal language of music and dance.
The Natyanjali festival dedicated to the Cosmic Dancer
(Lord Shiva) is celebrated every year during February-March.
Lord Nataraja, according to Hindu mythology is the cosmic
dancer. He is also called "the Lord of Dances".
Natyanjali festival opens on the auspicious occasion
of the Maha Shivaratri day and of course in the right
kind of venue - the 'Prakara' of the Chidambaram temple.
The magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built
a thousand years ago, provides a beautiful backdrop
for the event. The setting is truly divine-Chidambaram's
gold-roofed temple, with pillars depicting Lord Nataraja
in 108 poses from Bharatanatyam - Tamil Nadu's classical
dance.
The month of Chitthirai i.e. from mid-April to mid-May
is the first month of Tamil calendar. The month usually
starts from 14th April, the day known as Tamil New Year.
This is an auspicious occasion for Tamilians (people
of Tamil origin) living all over the world. People exchange
greetings by wishing “Puthandu Vazthukal”
– Happy New Year, with great passion. According
to Hindu Mythology, this is the day on which Lord Brahma
(the creator of the universe) started the creation of
the world.
How it is celebrated
The first day of Tamil calendar starts with some popular
beliefs and faiths. People rise early in the morning
and go for 'kanni' – the auspicious sight. The
belief is that this brings good fortune throughout the
year. The auspicious things may include gold and silver
jewellery, betel leaves, nuts, fruits and vegetables,
flowers, raw rice and coconuts etc. The auspicious sight
is then followed by a ritual bath and visiting temple
to pray for a prosperous and happy New Year. After which,
the Panchangam (almanac) is read.
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