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CHIDAMBARAM NATYANJALI TRUST
Presents
44th NATYANJALI
26th February to 2nd March - 2025
Venue: Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar Trust Premises,
South Car Street, Chidambaram.

Application For 45th Natyanjali Festival-2026 Click here to Register

NATYANJALI TO LORD NATARAJA

CHIDAMBARAM (INCEPTION - 1981)

"Chidambaram Natyanjali" - Festival of Dance at CHIDAMBARAM is known for its serenity and uniqueness of the devotion of the dancers dedicating their "Natya" (Dance) as "Anjali" (Offering) and worship to the Lord of Dance - Lord Nataraja. Natyanjali Festival commences this year and will be held for five days. Dancers from all over the world and from all parts of India representing all classical forms like Bharatha Natyam, Kuchupudi, Mohini Attam, Kathak, Odissi, Gaudiya Nritya and Pung Cholam etc., congregate at Chidambaram and offer their Dance Recitals to Lord Nataraja. The uniqueness of the festival lies in its devotional aspect and thus differs from other dance festivals.

All are invited!
Organised by
CHIDAMBARAM NATYANJALI TRUST
Organized with the
Assistance From
Ministry of Culture - Govt of India
Sangeet Natak Akademi - New Delhi
N.L.C. India Ltd.,
City Union Bank Ltd.
and other Patrons & Philanthropists

Patrons
Dr. A.C. MUTHIAH, SPIC, Chennai.
Smt. C.K. GARYALI, l.A.S.
Sri G. RAJENDRAN (GRT Thanga Maaligai), Chennai

Board of Trustees
President :Dr. R. MUTHUKUMARAN

94433 32307

Vice-Presidents : R. NATARAJAN

94434 35730

R. RAMANATHAN

83000 44222

Secretary : A. SAMBANDAM

+91 99404 77257

+91 94432 42732

Treasurer : Dr.M.Ganapathy

94433 30201

Member - Trustees:
R.K. GANAPATHI

04144 - 222258

R. SABANAYAGAM

04144 - 222384

Dr.S.ARULMOZHICHELVAN

04144 - 222320

Website : www.natyanjalichidambaram.com
Email : natyanjalichidambaram@gmail.com

HISTORY OF NATYANJALI

Chidambaram is among the most hallowed and ancient sacred spots associated with the worship of Lord Shiva. In the concept based Saivite philosophy and religious traditions, the local legend relates to the role of Shiva as the Lord of Consciousness of true knowledge, Further the holy shrine of Nataraja at this place is full of esoteric and spiritual significance. The Ananda Tandava of Lord Nataraja depicts the five fold acts of God, creation, protection, transformation, containment (or) screening and grace. The icon representing this manifestation of Shiva has been universally praised for its exquisite beauty and aesthetic nuances. It is this figure that has been a perennial source of inspiration for the art of dance.

It is thus most appropriate that the medium of dance has been adopted as an important expression of devotion and worship at this place. For the practitioners of ‘Natya’ such an offering is the most eloquent ‘Anjali’. This tradition has been in vogue since long.

With a view to revive and consolidate this tradition a concerted effort was started in 1981 in the form of annual event, Natyanjali. Over the years Natyanjali has grown in status developing into a National Festival presenting many styles of Indian Classical Dance. Participation and response have acquired International dimension. The Five Days event now features about 300 to 400 dancers and also involving 300 other accompanying artistes. The festival is organized by the Trust known as ‘Natyanjali Trust’- Chidambaram.

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