Natyanjali Dance Festival
Location: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu (Near Chennai)
Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
Time: February - March
Duration: Five Days
Natyanjali Festival is held in Chidambaram, near the city of Chennai, ever year. The five day festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Cosmic Dancer. As a matter of fact, he is also known as Natraj. The event takes place during the months of February - March. Natyanjali Dance Festival is inaugurated on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri. Just like the festival, the venue is equally special. The event is organized at the 'Prakara' of the Chidambaram Temple. The temple is chosen as the revered location for the festival, as it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Chidambaram temple is thousands of years old and serves as an awe inspiring backdrop for the occasion. The splendor of the temple, and that of the Natyanjali Utsav, is inexpressible. The gold roofed temple, with pillars depicting Lord Nataraj in 108 postures of Bharatnatyam, the classical dance of Tamil Nadu, presents a truly divine setting. Natyanjali Festival serves as a platform for dancers from all over India to exhibit their talent and pay tribute to the Lord.
The festival is a joint effort of the Department of Tourism - Government of Tamil Nadu, Ministry of Tourism - Government of India and Natyanjali Trust - Chidambaram. The performers are elated by the opportunity of dancing in the vicinity of the sanctum of Lord Shiva and take it in high regard. The festival spreads the message of 'Unity in Diversity', which is even conveyed by the universal language of dance and music. It both, educates as well as entertains, the audience.
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