The 2003 Natyanjali Celebrations were held at the Sri Lakshmi Temple in Ashland, MA on July 6th to mark the occasion of "Aani Thirumanjanam and Rathamahotsavam” of Lord Nataraja.

According to Hindu mythology, this occasion marks the only time besides “Arudra Darshanam” that Lord Shiva danced in Kailasam with his consort Parvati. The Natyanjali or “offering of dance” was held in the colorful setting of the Temple amidst the bustle of devotees eager to catch a glimpse of the deities, as well as the performers.

The session started with introductory remarks by Sri. K. G. Narayana, a trustee in the Temple Board, who is also in charge of the Youth, Cultural and Education program committee. Meena Subramanyam, Director of the Natya Vidyalaya School of Dance, was the chief organizer of the program.

Two dominant styles of South Indian Classical Dance, Bharata Natyam and Kuchipidi were represented on this occasion. Following an introductory dance on Lord Ganesha by Manasa Jayanthi, a student of Jothi Raghavan, Roja Kannan, a senior disciple of Padmashri Adyar Lakshmanan from Chennai, India performed a “Mallari” and an invocatory dance, "Sri Vigna Rajam Bhaje". Several uniquely choreographed pieces were presented during the afternoon and evening as part of the homage paid to Lord Nataraja, including Ganesha Kauthuvam, Natesa Kauthuvam, Pushpanjali and Alarippu, Nandi Chol, Gambira Gananayagam, Mallari, Bharata Kalai. Additionally, Padams such as “Aadathu Asangathu” on Krishna and “Aadum Padhnai” on Nataraja were also included among the pieces performed by the students of dance.

The piece “Tharangam” presented by Manaswini and Nivedita, students of Ranjani Saigal offered glimpses of the nuances of the Kuchipidi style of dance. Students of many of well-known local dance teachers, including Jayashree Bala Rajamani, Jothi Raghavan, Meena Subramanyam, Preetha Arun, Ranjani Saigal, Sridevi Thirumalai and Sunanda Narayan participated in the event. Their scintillating performances held the audience captive for well over three hours.

In total, there were over 30 participants. The event concluded with the rendition of the Mangalam by Tara Anand a well-known music and violin exponent. The participants assembled for the finale to perform their Namaskarams to Lord Nataraja, and to the audience for their encouragement and support.

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