Program - ~3:00PM

Pushpanjali/Mahaganapathim

Young woman in traditional Indian attire kneeling before a Ganesha statue, holding flowers and an offering, with a black background.

Ragam: Arabhi

Thalam: Aadi

Composer: Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna

Pushpanjali is a traditional opening dance meaning “offering of flowers.” It is an invocation seeking blessings from God, the guru, the audience, and Mother Earth.

Ragam: Naatai

Thalam: Aadi

Composer: Muthuswamy Dhikshithar

Maha Ganapathim is a vibrant and devotional piece dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The dance praises Ganesha's wisdom, strength, and grace. With dynamic rhythms and expressive movements, the dancer seeks his blessings for a successful and auspicious performance.

Alarippu

A woman dressed in traditional Indian attire performing a classical dance against a black background.

Ragam: Nattai

Thalam: Tisra Ekam

Alarippu, meaning “blossoming,” is a pure dance (nritta) that awakens the body and mind through intricate rhythms, movements, and patterns. With no storytelling, it serves as a meditative offering, preparing the dancer for the pieces to follow.

Kumara Kavithuvam

A woman performing classical Indian dance, wearing a yellow and turquoise traditional costume, with jewelry and flowers in her hair, against a black background.

Ragam: Ragamalika

Thalam: Aadi

Composer: Madurai R. Muralidaran

Kumara Kavithuvam is a devotional piece dedicated to Lord Murugan, blending pure dance and expression to praise his bravery, beauty, and grace. Performed early in a recital, it invokes his blessings while highlighting the dancer’s strength and devotion.

Jathiswaram

A woman dressed in traditional Indian dance attire performing a classical dance pose against a black background.

Ragam: Ragamalika

Thalam: Misra Chaapu

Composer: Ramaswami Dikshitar

Derived from the Sanskrit words “Jathi” (rhythmic patterns) and “Swaram” (musical notes), Jathiswaram is a classical Bharatanatyam piece that blends rhythm and melody. In this piece, the dancer performs intricate jathis (footwork sequences) interwoven with swaras (melodic passages), highlighting their mastery of rhythm, coordination, and grace.

Varnam - Swami Naan Undan Adimai

A woman performing an Indian dance split, wearing a green and yellow traditional costume with jewelry, against a black background.

Ragam: Nattakurunji

Thalam: Aadi

Composer: Papanasam Sivan

This is a powerful Tamil Varnam that expresses deep devotion and surrender to Lord Shiva. It means “Lord, I am your servant,” and explores a devotee’s longing to be accepted by the divine. The dancer brings to life the tales of: Nandanar, the devotee who longed to enter Chidambaram temple and was finally granted permission by Shiva himself, Markandeya, the boy-saint who defied death by clinging to the Shiva linga, and Kannappar, the hunter who offered his own eyes to stop the bleeding of the Shiva linga.

Intermission - ~ 5PM

Andal Tirupaavai

A woman dressed in traditional Indian dance attire, wearing a green and pink saree with gold accents, jewelry, and a floral garland, performing a classical dance pose against a black background.

Ragam: Ragamalika

Thalam: Aadi

Composer: Andal

Tiruppāvai, composed by the 8th-century poet-saint Āṇḍāḷ, is a set of 30 hymns sung during the sacred month of Mārgaḻi. This presentation includes three celebrated verses: Pasuram 1 (Mārgaḻi Thingal), an invitation to all for collective devotion; Pasuram 3 (Ōngi Uḷaḡaḷanda), a praise of the Lord who measured the universe and brings prosperity; and Pasuram 29 (Siṟṟam Siṉaḍu), a prayer seeking Krishna’s grace and protection.

Maadu Meikum Kanne

A woman dressed in traditional Indian attire performing a classical dance pose against a black background.

Ragam: Chenjuruti

Thalam: Tisra

Composer: Oothukkadu Venkata Kavi

Maadu Meikum Kanne, composed by Oothukadu Venkata Kavi, depicts Yashoda’s tender scolding of young Krishna for his playful mischief—stealing butter, teasing the gopikas, and frolicking with the calves. Rich in abhinaya, this padam captures the charm of Krishna’s childhood and a mother’s boundless love.

Omkara Roopini

A woman practicing classical Indian dance, dressed in a traditional green and pink costume, seated on the floor with one leg bent and the other extended, against a black background.

Ragam: Ragamalika

Thalam: Aadi

Composer: Professor B. Ramamoorthy Rao

Omkara Rupini is a devotional piece that praises the divine feminine energy Devi, the embodiment of Om, the primordial sound of the universe. The term "Omkara" refers to the sacred syllable Om, while "Rupini" means "she who takes the form." The piece highlights her many manifestations—creator, protector, and destroyer—paying homage to her as the source of all creation and consciousness.

A woman in traditional Indian attire performing a classical dance pose against a black background.

Thillana

Ragam: Kunthalavaraali

Thalam: Aadi

Composer: Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna

The Thillana is a lively and vibrant conclusion to a Bharatanatyam performance serving as the showstopping piece of an arangetram. Characterized by intricate rhythmic patterns, swift footwork, and dynamic movements, it showcases the dancer’s technical brilliance and joy in movement. It leaves the audience with a sense of exhilaration, celebrating the energy and beauty of the art form and dance.

Mangalam

A woman in traditional Indian attire, sitting cross-legged, dressed in a green and pink silk saree with gold accents, adorned with intricate jewelry including necklaces, earrings, and headpiece, against a black background.

Ragam: Surutti

Thalam: Aadi

Composer: Brahmasri C.V.Swami Sastriga

A serene and auspicious conclusion to the performance, this Mangalam invokes the blessings of Goddess Lalithambika. Its soothing melody and graceful movements offer a fitting end, leaving the audience with a sense of peace and devotion.

Dinner - ~ 7:15 PM

Credits

Masters of Ceremony: Kanaga Madasamy, Harini Vijeyanandh

Makeup: Kavya M Shivaramakrishnan groom_with_km

Costume: Sudhakar - Praveena Costume Designer

Photography: Selva Srinivasan

Videography: Shriram Natarajan - Picco Labs

Lighting: Harish Jaiganesh

Audio Technician: Elmo Rajah

Stage Decoration: Onestoppartydecor

Stage Management: Koushalya Kamalraj

Special Thanks

We are deeply grateful to our family, friends, and close relatives for their love and support. Your encouragement and presence have made this journey truly special, and we will cherish these memories and blessings for years to come.