DANCES WITH WAVES

Around 60 km from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu in South India, lies Mamallapuram, once the famed port-capital of the mighty Pallava dynasty, and one of the greatest sea-ports of its time.

Mamallapuram (‘city of Mamalla’) or Mahabalipuram (as it was earlier called), was named after ‘Mamalla’, a title of King Narasimha Varman I, who, in the 7th century CE, established his capital here and created a renowned centre of sculpture and art.

Here, over, perhaps, a hundred years, marvellous monuments were cut out of outcrops of hard grey granite. Cliff faces were transformed into a world of animals, nature, divine beings, and people. Boulders were carved into fine temples. Rocks were chiselled into the shapes of animals.

Some 1400 years on, Mamallapuram still holds those exquisite ancient carved structures, every bit worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. For what remains shows the highest standards of human artistic achievement.

“Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.”
– Alexander Solzhenitsyn

THE MONUMENTS OF MAMALLAPURAM

Standing on the very edge of the sea, the Shore Temple is a dramatic sight to behold. Especially after sunset, when it is wonderfully lit up.

The Five Rathas (chariots) are a set of temples, each built of single rock. Covered with fabulous carvings, the Rathas are splendidly set in a vast expanse of sand.

The beautiful Lighthouse here dates back to 1894 and is a must-visit.

Distinguished by its striking architecture and colossal sculptures, and made doubly atmospheric by its seaside location, Mamallapuram draws thousands of visitors annually from all over the world.

WELCOME TO THE MAMALLAPURAM DANCE FESTIVAL

Come winter though, and Mamallapuram is transformed.

The charming coastal town hosts a spectacular celebration and display of India’s incredible cultural heritage; a tribute to the legacy of India’s living traditions of dance and music.

Welcome to the Mamallapuram Dance Festival.

Waves gently lap the shore, salt-laden winds brush your skin, the sands come alive with the rhythm of feet in motion, awe-inspiring monoliths stand like silent sentinels against the great expanse of the Bay of Bengal, and the January evening skyline is illumined by the lights from the ancient open-air arena set against the magnificent backdrop of Arjuna’s Penance.

ARJUNA’S PENANCE

Arjuna’s Penance (also called the Descent of the Ganga or Bhagiratha’s Penance) is considered the largest open-air bas-relief in the world.

Carved on the side of cliff, the tableau – with around a hundred figures of animals, men, women, and divine beings – is an elaborate and stunning depiction of the auspicious moment of the descent of the River Ganga, to bestow her blessings on the world.

This scene is also interpreted to be a depiction of the penance of Arjuna, the hero of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata.

A deep fissure in the rock has been beautifully used to represent the mighty Ganga as she descends.

In fact, a storage tank was built above it, from which water must have been let out to rush down the cleft, rendering a sense of reality to the sacred scene.

Sage Bhagiratha is seen performing penance and imploring the supreme god Siva to bear the force of the fall of Ganga from the heavens.

It is here, before Arjuna’s Penance, that India’s finest dancers, musicians, troupes, and illustrious dance gurus come together on a single platform to dazzle you with their performances in a month-long extravaganza.

A CELEBRATION OF INDIA’S DANCE HERITAGE

Considered one of the most important and prominent dance festivals in India by veterans of dance and music, and renowned dance schools all over the country, the vibrant Mamallapuram Dance Festival showcases India’s remarkable repertoire of not only ancient classical dance forms but also folk forms, particularly shining the spotlight on the dance forms of South India.

The idea behind organising a festival of this kind and on such a grand scale is to spread and create awareness of India’s rich heritage.

Indeed, this is a fitting tribute to India’s long-standing love of the arts.

The rulers of ancient kingdoms not only greatly appreciated and admired art in every form but also hugely patronised it.

Dance and music, in particular, were much revered, encouraged, and enjoyed; to perform before the king was considered a big honour for any artiste.

The cultural fiesta is also an internationally acclaimed festival and hosts global travellers, culture enthusiasts, dancers, musicians, and artists from various countries, as well as those who are students of traditional or classical Indian dance.

CLASSICAL AND FOLK PERFORMANCES

Renowned exponents of classical forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Odissi, and Kathak captivate and enthrall onstage with their grace, elegance, form, rhythm, and expression.

Then there are musical performances (both vocal and instrumental), puppet shows, and fascinating folk dances such as Bommalattam, Kolattam, Kummi, Karagattam, Kazhai Kothu, and Mayilattam.

A brilliant confluence of India and the world, the Mamallapuram Dance Festival promises an unforgettable visual and aural experience – of gestures, movements, moods, devotion, joy, story-telling, acrobatics, and lyrical and musical ecstasy.

EXPERIENCE THE FESTIVAL

During the four-week-long Festival, at least two performances are presented every evening, and entry is open and free for everyone.

Although the Festival is usually held during December-January, dates may vary – this year it is being held during January-February.

The Mamallapuram Dance Festival is an initiative of the State Government of Tamil Nadu and is organised by the Department of Tamil Nadu Tourism and Development.

So mark your calendar, plan a holiday to India, and book your tickets…because the Mamallapuram Dance Festival will truly be one of the most unique and rewarding experiences of your life.

Come and be bewitched.