Category Blog

Salangai Pooja, also known as Salangai Puja or Ghungroo Puja, is a traditional practice in Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form of India. It is a ceremony where the dancer performs the ritual of blessing their ankle bells, known as “salangai” in Tamil, which are an essential component of the Bharatanatyam dance.

The ceremony is usually performed by the dancer in the presence of their guru, family, and friends. It involves the offering of flowers, fruits, and other symbolic items to the salangai, followed by the recitation of mantras and hymns to invoke the blessings of the divine and the dance gods.

The salangai are considered sacred in Bharatanatyam and are believed to possess the power to enhance the dancer’s performance and elevate their spiritual and artistic experience. Through the Salangai Pooja, the dancer seeks to imbue the bells with divine energy and blessings, thereby enhancing their own performance.

The ceremony also serves as a way for the dancer to express their gratitude towards their guru, who has trained and guided them in their journey of learning the dance form. It is a mark of respect and honor towards the teacher, and a way to seek their blessings for a successful performance.

Overall, the Salangai Pooja is a significant ritual in Bharatanatyam that symbolizes the importance of the ankle bells in the dance form and highlights the dancer’s reverence and devotion towards their guru and the divine.

In the context of Bharatanatyam, Guru Pooja holds a significant place as it is a way for the student to pay respect and offer gratitude to their dance guru who has trained and guided them in their journey of learning the dance form.

Before commencing the Bharatanatyam performance or practice session, the dancer typically performs Guru Pooja as a mark of respect and honor towards their dance teacher. The ceremony usually involves the offering of flowers, fruits, and other items, along with the recitation of hymns and mantras in praise of the guru.

The offering of flowers is done with each petal representing a quality or attribute of the guru, such as patience, knowledge, and discipline. The petals are offered along with the chanting of the guru’s name, signifying the student’s reverence and devotion towards their teacher.

Guru Pooja in Bharatanatyam is not just a ritual or ceremony, but also a way for the student to connect with their teacher at a deeper level and to seek their blessings for a successful performance or practice session. The ceremony helps to reinforce the bond between the teacher and student, which is essential in the learning and practice of this classical dance form.

International Dance Day is celebrated every year on April 29th to raise awareness about the importance of dance and its cultural significance around the world. The day was established by the International Dance Council (CID) in 1982 to coincide with the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a French dancer and choreographer who is considered the father of modern ballet.

The purpose of International Dance Day is to promote the art of dance and its diverse forms, to celebrate the creativity and talent of dancers, and to encourage people to experience the joy of dance. The day is celebrated with a variety of events and performances, including dance workshops, festivals, and performances by professional dance companies.

International Dance Day also serves as an opportunity to address issues facing the dance community, such as the need for better working conditions for dancers, increased access to dance education, and the preservation of traditional dance forms.

Overall, International Dance Day celebrates the universal language of dance and its ability to bring people from different cultures and backgrounds together in a spirit of creativity and joy.

The word “Bharatanatyam” is derived from three words: “Bhava” which means expression, “Raga” which means melody, and “Tala” which means rhythm. Together, they form the essence of Bharatanatyam, which is a classical dance form that originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India.

Bharatanatyam is a combination of dance, music, and storytelling that uses intricate footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions to convey emotions and tell stories from Hindu mythology and folklore. It is known for its precise and angular movements, as well as its use of intricate mudras or hand gestures that convey specific meanings and emotions.

The dance form has a rich history and is deeply rooted in Indian culture and spirituality. It was originally performed in Hindu temples as a form of worship and was later revived and popularized in the 20th century by dancers such as Rukmini Devi Arundale and Balasaraswati.

Today, Bharatanatyam is recognized as one of the most popular and influential classical dance forms in India, and it continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary contexts while staying true to its traditional roots.

There are many differences between Western dance forms and Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form from India. Here are a few major differences:

1. Technique: Western dance forms, such as ballet and contemporary dance, focus on fluidity and grace in movements, often emphasizing extensions and flexibility. In contrast, Bharatanatyam focuses on precise footwork, angular movements, and sharp, expressive hand gestures.
2. Storytelling: Western dance forms typically do not have a strong storytelling tradition, and the movements and choreography are often abstract or interpretive. In Bharatanatyam, however, the storytelling tradition is central to the dance form, and the movements and gestures are used to convey specific stories from Hindu mythology and folklore.
3. Music: Western dance forms are often performed to music that is separate from the dance, while Bharatanatyam is typically performed to Carnatic music, a classical music tradition from southern India. The music and dance are closely intertwined in Bharatanatyam, with the music often dictating the rhythm and tempo of the dance movements.
4. Costumes: Western dance costumes are typically more revealing and form-fitting, while Bharatanatyam costumes are more modest and traditional. Bharatanatyam costumes consist of a saree or long skirt, blouse, and dupatta, with elaborate jewelry and makeup.
5. Cultural significance: Western dance forms are often performed for entertainment or artistic expression, while Bharatanatyam is deeply rooted in Indian culture and is often performed in religious or spiritual contexts, such as in temples or at festivals.

Overall, while there may be some similarities in technique and expression between Western dance forms and Bharatanatyam, the differences in storytelling tradition, music, costumes, and cultural significance make each one unique and distinct.

The major difference between Bharatanatyam and other classical dance forms in India is the technique, style, and storytelling tradition. Bharatanatyam is characterized by its intricate footwork, sharp, angular movements, and expressive facial expressions. It also incorporates elaborate hand gestures and body postures to convey stories from Hindu mythology and folklore.

Other classical dance forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya have their own unique techniques and styles that differ from Bharatanatyam. For example, Kathakali is known for its highly stylized movements, elaborate makeup, and facial expressions that convey different emotions. Mohiniyattam, on the other hand, emphasizes fluidity and softness in its movements and storytelling. Sattriya incorporates devotional themes and features minimal makeup and simple costumes.

Furthermore, each classical dance form has its own distinct storytelling tradition, music, and costumes that reflect the cultural heritage of the region. For example, Yakshagana from Karnataka tells stories from the Hindu epics using elaborate costumes and makeup, while Chhau from eastern India incorporates martial arts-inspired movements and tribal traditions.

Overall, while there may be some similarities between the classical dance forms in India, the differences in technique, style, and storytelling tradition make each one unique and culturally significant.

Bharatanatyam is recognized as a national dance of India because of its cultural and historical significance. The dance form has a long and rich history that is deeply rooted in Indian culture and tradition.

Bharatanatyam is believed to have originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu, where it was performed as part of temple rituals and ceremonies. The dance form was also performed in the courts of kings and nobles, where it was highly valued for its artistic and cultural significance.

Over time, Bharatanatyam evolved and became more refined, with many great dancers and gurus contributing to its development. Today, Bharatanatyam is recognized a

s one of the most important classical dance forms of India, with a distinctive style and technique that is admired and appreciated around the world.

In 1952, the Indian government recognized Bharatanatyam as a national dance of India, along with four other classical dance forms: Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Odissi. This recognition was an important step in preserving and promoting the traditional art forms of India, and in showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage to the world.

As a national dance, Bharatanatyam holds a special place in Indian culture and society. It is taught and performed in schools and universities across India, and is an important part of the country’s cultural identity. Through its intricate movements, expressive storytelling, and rich cultural history, Bharatanatyam continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The dance form has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times.

The origin of Bharatanatyam can be traced back to the Devadasi system, which was prevalent in South India. Devadasis were female temple dancers who performed as part of temple rituals and were considered to be the handmaidens of the gods.

Over time, Bharatanatyam evolved and became more refined. In the 19th and 20th centuries, many great dancers and gurus contributed to the development of the dance form, including Balasaraswati, Rukmini Devi Arundale, and Pandanallur Meenakshisundaram Pillai.

Balasaraswati was a famous dancer and musician who played a key role in the revival of Bharatanatyam. She brought the dance form to the international stage and helped to popularize it around the world.

Rukmini Devi Arundale was another important figure in the history of Bharatanatyam. She founded the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai in 1936, which played a key role in preserving and promoting the dance form. She also introduced many innovations in Bharatanatyam, including new costumes and music.

Pandanallur Meenakshisundaram Pillai was a renowned Bharatanatyam guru who taught many famous dancers, including Kamala Lakshminarayanan, Yamini Krishnamurthy, and Shanta Rao. His style of Bharatanatyam is still widely practiced today.

Today, Bharatanatyam is one of the most popular classical dance forms in India and around the world. It is known for its intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive storytelling.