Program Guide
Ganesha Pancharatnam
Ragam: Ragamalika
Talam: Tisragati
‘Ganesha Pancharatnam’ is in praise of Lord Ganesha, composed by Jagadguru Sri Adi Sankaracharya. The killer of rakshasas, the protector of the devas, the salvation giver to the bhaktas, the all-merciful son of Sankara is invoked with folded hands by the dancers at the beginning of their performance.
Koluvai Unnade
Ragam: Ragamalika
Talam: Adi
In this dance, the dancers describes with their gestures and expression how Shiva, along with His wife Parvati, is placed in Kailasa Giri. the glory of the Lord is shown with grace, yet with a sense of power.
Durga Tarangam
Ragam: Shanmukhapriya
Talam: Adi
In this dance, the Goddess Durga is created to destroy the demon Mahishasura. By killing the demon, Durga spreads happiness and prosperity to all the people. The Tarangam is distinguished by the dancers’ use of their plates to enhance their footwork.
Alumelamanga
Ragam: Kalyani
Talam: Adi
This song praises the goddess Alumelamanga, a consort of Lord Venkateswara. This keertana, composed by the famous Telugu poet Annamacharya, describes her beauty and how she passionately loves Lord Venkateswara.
Tarana
Rag: Natabhiravi
Taal: Teental
In this dance, the dancer explains the beauty of the song through fast, rhythmic footwork. It is similar to the thillana, which is used in Carnatic music. The tarana is composed in Hindustani classical music.
Keshava Narayana
Ragam: Ganbheera Nattai
Talam: Adi
This dance shows you all 10 different forms, or ‘Avataras,’ that Lord Vishnu has possessed to destroy evil, to protect good, and to reestablish the kingdom of truth. The song praises Lord Vishnu and tells the stories of his various forms.
Thillana
Ragam: Dhanashree
Talam: Adi
Thillana is one of the most scintillating dances of Kuchipudi tradition. It reveals a delightful display of Swara and sweet ecstasy, making it a piece of artistic excellence. The performers exhibit a combination of hand and foot movements meticulously synchronized with the percussion beat. In one word, ‘Thillana’ means ‘Moving Beauty.’ This Thillana was composed by Swati Tirunal, who praises Lord Padhmanabha, the principal deity of the Travencore Royal House.