Bharatanatyam
Witness the timeless elegance of Bharatanatyam – where rhythm, expression, and devotion unfold in divine harmony
Bharatanatyam, one of India’s most revered classical dance forms, is a mesmerizing blend of rhythm, expression, and spiritual storytelling. As part of Ekathra’s Cultural Heritage Experiences, this programme delves into the deep cultural and artistic roots of Bharatanatyam, offering participants an immersive encounter with its elegance, discipline, and divine essence.
With origins dating back over two millennia, Bharatanatyam was traditionally performed in temples as an offering to the gods, embodying devotion and sacred expression. The dance form is a harmonious synthesis of Bhava (expression), Raga (melody), Tala (rhythm), and Natya (dramatic art), creating a powerful visual and emotional experience.
Characterized by intricate footwork, graceful postures, and highly expressive hand gestures (Mudras), Bharatanatyam is a language of storytelling that brings to life mythological narratives from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and ancient Tamil scriptures. The dancer, adorned in resplendent costumes, traditional jewelry, and striking facial makeup, conveys emotions through the eloquent use of Abhinaya (expressions) and dynamic movements.
Beyond the dancer, Bharatanatyam is an ensemble of artistry, with live Carnatic music, rhythmic Nattuvangam (cymbals), and percussion accompaniment enhancing the performance. Years of rigorous training under a Guru (teacher) shape a dancer’s precision, endurance, and depth of expression, making Bharatanatyam both a spiritual practice and an artistic pursuit.
As part of this programme, participants will witness captivating live performances, interact with accomplished dancers and musicians, and gain insights into the philosophy and discipline behind Bharatanatyam. They will also explore its evolution from temple rituals to modern theatrical stages, reflecting its adaptability while staying rooted in tradition.
This experience offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the depth and beauty of Bharatanatyam, where movement, music, and devotion converge in an exquisite celebration of India’s cultural heritage. Join us in uncovering the timeless elegance of this classical art form.
Thiruvathira
Celebrate the rhythm of devotion and the spirit of sisterhood through the graceful circle of Thiruvathira
Thiruvathira is a revered dance tradition of Kerala, celebrated for its grace, rhythm, and deep cultural significance. As part of Ekathra’s Cultural Heritage Experiences, this programme offers an intimate exploration of Thiruvathira, shedding light on its origins, aesthetics, and spiritual essence.
Traditionally performed by women, Thiruvathira is an age-old dance form that finds its roots in devotion and feminine energy. It is closely associated with the worship of Lord Shiva and is performed during the Thiruvathira festival in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). The dance is characterized by slow, circular movements performed in unison, symbolizing harmony and the collective spirit of womanhood.
Accompanied by the melodious Thiruvathirappaattu (folk songs), the performance embodies elegance and devotion. The dancers, dressed in traditional Kerala attire—white and gold sarees—move rhythmically around a ceremonial lamp (Nilavilakku), creating an enchanting spectacle. Each step and gesture in Thiruvathira reflects cultural expressions of love, devotion, and auspiciousness.
Beyond its aesthetic beauty, Thiruvathira has social and spiritual dimensions. It is an expression of sisterhood, where women of all ages come together to celebrate unity and well-being. The dance also has deep mythological significance, believed to commemorate the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Through this programme, participants will have the opportunity to witness live performances, engage with artists, and understand the intricate expressions and rhythms that define Thiruvathira. This experience offers a deeper appreciation of Kerala’s artistic traditions, where devotion and dance merge seamlessly in a mesmerizing cultural celebration. Join us in discovering the elegance and essence of Thiruvathira, a timeless tradition that continues to inspire and captivate.
Oppana
Celebrate the joy of togetherness with Oppana – where rhythm, song, and tradition surround the bride in a circle of love and grace
Oppana is a cherished form of social entertainment within the Mappila community of Kerala, South India, particularly flourishing in the Malabar region. The name “Oppana” is thought to derive from the Arabic word “Affna.” This vibrant art form plays a significant role in various cultural ceremonies, especially during Mappila weddings.
Recently, it has enjoyed a resurgence on the performance stages of Youth Festivals, captivating the student audience. Typically, a group of around fifteen women, including musicians, perform Oppana on the wedding day. The bride, resplendent in her elaborate attire and adorned with gold jewelry, sits at the center of the dancers, her hands and feet beautifully decorated with intricate mylanchi (henna) patterns. She occupies a special place on a peetam (chair) around which the lively singing and dancing unfold. As the performers clap in rhythm and move gracefully, the bride joins in with simple steps. The songs often start with two or three girls, quickly joined by the rest in harmonious chorus. Occasionally, males perform Oppana to entertain the bridegroom, typically just before he departs for the bride’s home for the Nikah (marriage) or as he arrives at the Maniyara. The enchanting sounds of harmonium, tabla, ganjira, and elathaalam accompany this celebration, with Mappilapaattu songs resonating throughout the occasion.
Margamkali
Where footsteps trace forgotten gospels, and jasmine – scented songs carry the light of an ancient path
As dusk settles over a quiet Syrian Christian village, the courtyard of a centuries-old home begins to glow—lamps flicker to life, casting golden halos on white stone walls. In the center, a traditional brass lamp is lit, and around it, a group of young women gather barefoot, dressed in cream-colored chatta-mundu with delicate golden borders, their hair adorned with jasmine. Then, with a soft rise in melody and a gentle stamping of feet, the story begins to move in circles. This is Margamkali—a dance of devotion, memory, and identity.
With Ekathra, this isn’t a performance to be watched from afar. It is a journey into the soul of Kerala’s Knanaya Christian community—a space where history is not only preserved but celebrated by the very hands and voices of women who carry it forward.
Margamkali, meaning “the path dance,” is inspired by the life and missionary journey of St. Thomas the Apostle. Passed down through generations, it weaves together the Apostle’s arrival on the Malabar coast, his acts of healing, the communities he built, the resistance he faced, and the churches he established. These episodes come alive through song, verse by verse, as the dancers move in harmony, circling the sacred lamp—each step deliberate, each turn echoing centuries of faith and storytelling.
Though once performed by men, today it is the women of the community—mothers, daughters, and students—who safeguard this tradition. In schools, church festivals, and wedding ceremonies, their voices rise in unison, singing of saints and miracles, while their feet move with rhythmic elegance. The performance continues late into the night during festive occasions, not as spectacle, but as spiritual offering—a graceful merging of art and prayer.
Through Ekathra’s experience, you don’t just witness Margamkali—you are gently drawn into its world. You visit the homes and community spaces where women rehearse these age-old verses, meet elders who still remember the chants by heart, and learn how dance is stitched into the fabric of celebration and identity. You’ll see how the revival and continued practice of this art form provide not only cultural pride but also opportunities for local livelihoods—trainers, costume makers, singers, and storytellers, all sustained by responsible travel and respectful exchange.
You might be invited to join a rehearsal—just a hand movement here, a step there—and suddenly you feel the sacred circle welcoming you in. You sit with the performers, share a meal, and listen as they speak of how they learned the songs from their mothers and teachers, how dancing Margamkali at a wedding is both duty and joy.
In this journey, you are not a visitor, but a quiet witness to a living tradition—where song becomes scripture, movement becomes memory, and the lamp in the center glows with the undimmed light of faith carried forward by women.
