Telangana’s cultural tribute shines At Chidambaram Festival

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The recently concluded 10-day Aani Thirumanjanam Mahotsavam at the Sri Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, witnessed a remarkable cultural contribution from Telangana, which emerged as one of the festival’s highlights. During a special two-day cultural presentation held as part of the celebrations, more than fifty artists, musicians, dancers, students and devotees from Telangana offered music, dance, literature and devotion at the feet of Lord Nataraja, reaffirming India’s timeless tradition where art becomes worship.

The Telangana cultural delegation was led by Hyderabad-based patrons Godi Vijetha Devi and Godi Sathish Reddy under the guidance of N.D. Nataraja Deekshidhar, trustee and priest of the Sri Nataraja Temple, and in the presence of mridangam maestro Padma Shri Dr. Yella Venkateswara Rao. The concert featured celebrated compositions including Vatapi Ganapathim, Amma Anandadayini, Shambho Mahadeva, traditional Tamil devotional compositions and kritis dedicated to Lord Chidambareswara.

The two-day presentation brought together distinguished cultural institutions and artists, including Jyothi Kalakshetram School of Arts, Hyderabad, led by renowned Kuchipudi Guru Jyothi Reddy, and Raga Music Academy, Hyderabad, led by noted Carnatic vocalist Bharati Polaki. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Yella Venkateswara Rao said that he felt fortunate offering Maddala Pooja at Chidambaram at the age of 83.

Reflecting on the initiative, Godi Vijetha Devi said that bringing more than fifty participants from Telangana to Chidambaram and witnessing them offer music and dance before Lord Nataraja has been “one of the most fulfilling experiences of her life. “ Guru Jyothi Reddy said that every dancer dreams of offering dance before Lord Nataraja at Chidambaram and described presenting “Natyarpanam”(offering of dance) during the Aani Thirumanjanam Festival was a divine experience. During the program, Guru Jyothi Reddy was felicitated by Padma Shri Dr. Yella Venkateswara Rao for her contribution towards preserving and promoting Kuchipudi dance.