Natyanjali

Natyanjali is a composition in bharatanatyam choreographed by Sri V.P.Dhananjayan circa 1968. It is in Raga Mallika, tala Mallika, and praises Ganesha, Saraswati, Vishnu, Shiva, and the Gurus in Sanskrit Slokas, each with different talas and ragas.

Natyanjali is an annual classical Indian dance festival timed to Shiva Ratri.

Originally, was introduced at the Chidambaram temple, but nowadays also organized at many other temples in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Chennai, Nagapatinam, Mayavaram, Thirunallar, Thiruvanaikoil, etc.

Sri Subramania Samaj, Chembur,Mumbai has also been conducting Natyanjali for the last Seven years at their temple complex during Mahasivratri. The festival of dance continues for more than ten days and dancers of all styles have been offering their art at the feet of Lord Nataraja. On Sivaratri night senior Gurus, some of them septogenarians, have been performing year after year.

This year , i.e. 2010,the 8th year of Natyanjalimumbai festival will be held from 6 March to 16 March. According to Agamasastras, which is mostly followed by shivite temples, this year's Mahashivaratri falls on 13 March 2010. There will be special poojas at Thruchembur Murugan temple throughout that night. Dance teachers and Gurus of all styles will offer their chosen art form at the feat of Lord Nataraja, from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.