Natyanjali Dance Festival

The Natyanjali Dance Festival is one of the most revered Indian classical dance festivals, held annually at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple in Tamil Nadu. This grand event is an offering of dance (Natya) to Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer form of Lord Shiva, symbolizing the unity of devotion and artistic expression.

Organized by the Natyanjali Trust in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, this festival attracts renowned classical dancers, scholars, and art lovers from across the globe. The Natyanjali Dance Festival 2025 will take place from February 26 to March 2, 2025, and will feature performances from India’s top classical dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Mohiniyattam.

Natyanjali Dance Festival 2025 - Dates and Duration

Dates: February 26 – March 2, 2025
Venue: Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Tamil Nadu
The festival takes place at the historic Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, also known as Thillai Nataraja Temple. This temple is one of the five holiest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, representing Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer.

Highlights of Natyanjali Dance Festival 2025

Classical Dance Performances

The festival showcases a breathtaking lineup of performances in various Indian classical dance forms, including:

• Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)
• Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
• Odissi (Odisha)
• Kathak (North India)
• Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
• Manipuri (Manipur)
• Pung Cholam (Manipur)

Each performance is deeply devotional, representing stories from Hindu mythology and ancient scriptures, and is accompanied by live Carnatic and Hindustani classical music.

Dance as Devotion

Unlike other dance festivals, Natyanjali is purely spiritual. Dancers perform not for applause or competition but as a sacred offering to Lord Nataraja, celebrating bhakti (devotion) through movement, rhythm, and expression.

Presence of Renowned Artists

The festival attracts India’s most accomplished classical dancers along with young and emerging artists, creating a platform for both seasoned performers and aspiring dancers.

Temple Atmosphere and Spiritual Energy

The vibrant atmosphere of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple adds to the festival’s divine ambiance, with devotional chanting, temple rituals, and classical music filling the air. The golden roof and ancient pillars of the temple enhance the grandeur of the performances.

Workshops and Interactive Sessions

The festival also includes:

• Workshops on Indian classical dance techniques
• Lecture demonstrations on the evolution of Natya (dance) in Hindu traditions
• Discussions on the role of dance in spiritual upliftment

These sessions provide a deeper understanding of the connection between dance, devotion, and Indian heritage.

Natyanjali Dance Festival - Venue & Architecture

The artists perform in the brightly set-up Prakaram, which is the outer area surrounding the Nataraja Temple of Chidambaram. The temple also goes by the name of Thillai Nataraja Temple. It is one of the ancient sites of tourism and is entirely dedicated to Lord Shiva. The walls of the temple are embedded with 108 Bharatanatyam poses of Lord Nataraja. The golden roof and multiple pillars add to the grandeur of this historic temple.

History and Significance of Natyanjali Dance Festival

The Natyanjali Dance Festival traces its origins to 1981, when it was first conceptualized as a spiritual and artistic tribute to Lord Nataraja. Over the years, the festival has gained immense popularity, drawing dancers and devotees from all over the world.

The word "Natyanjali" is derived from Sanskrit, where "Natya" means dance and "Anjali" means offering, making this festival a sacred offering of dance to Lord Shiva. The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, with its 108 sculpted Bharatanatyam postures on its walls, serves as the perfect backdrop for this divine celebration.

The festival begins on the eve of Mahashivratri, the most auspicious night dedicated to Lord Shiva, and continues for five days, celebrating India’s classical dance heritage in its purest form.

How to Reach the Nataraja Temple

The festival takes place in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, which is well-connected by air, rail, and road.

• By Air:The nearest airport is Puducherry Airport (66 km away). The second closest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (170 km away).
• By Train: Chidambaram Railway Station is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Thanjavur, and Trichy.
• By Road: Chidambaram is accessible via state-run buses and private taxis from Chennai, Pondicherry, and other nearby cities.
• Once in Chidambaram, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available for local travel.

Contact Details 

The Natyanjali Trust can be reached via
Call: +91-98949 55196, +91-94432 42732, +91-4144-222732
Email: [email protected].

Why You Should Attend Natyanjali Dance Festival 2025?

• Witness India’s Rich Classical Dance Heritage
• Experience the Spiritual Power of Devotional Dance
• See Acclaimed Dancers Perform at an Iconic Temple
• Immerse in the Architectural Beauty of Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
• Explore Tamil Nadu’s Cultural and Artistic Legacy

The Natyanjali Dance Festival 2025 is not just a cultural event, but a spiritual journey that blends devotion, art, and heritage into an extraordinary celebration. Whether you are a dance enthusiast, spiritual traveler, or cultural lover, this festival is a must-visit experience.