Dance Festivals of South India brings together many budding and famous artists who showcase their talents and leave the audiences in awe of their performance. People of South India celebrate their culture through the dance and music festival, and they also welcome people from all over to witness and take part in this beautiful journey. South India has been the origin of various traditional and classical dances. Since the ancient period, various dance and music festivals and competitions had been organised. Some of them are discussed below:
Chennai Dance and Music Festival
Every year from the mid-December to mid-January, the Chennai Dance and Music Festival is organised in Chennai. This is organised mainly to celebrate the classical music and dances of South India. Many renowned artistes from all over the state and the country participate in this festival. This takes place in many places of the Chennai city like in the auditoriums, well-known temple premises and heritage bungalows. The performances of this festival include vocal and instrumental music, solo and group dance. The festival is a great platform for the upcoming artistes to display their talent.
Chidambaram Dance Festival
The Chidambaram Dance Festival is organised in the holy city of Chidambaram, which is situated about 245 km from Chennai. Also known as "Natyanjali Dance Festival of Chidambaram", it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This festival runs for 5 days during the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. During the festival, top dancers from all over the country gather here to dance in the temple premises to pay their tribute to Lord Nataraja. The Department of Tourism and the Government of Tamil Nadu jointly organise this Natyanjali Dance Festival of Chidambaram.
Mamallapuram Dance Festival
The Mamallapuram Dance Festival is organised every year from early January to the first week of February at the venue of Arjuna"s Penance. The Mamallapuram Dance Festival is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu. The great performers of classical dances like Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Kathakali assemble here and present their dance in an open-air stage against the backdrop of the Pallava rock sculptures.
Nishagandhi Dance Festival
The Nishagandhi dance festival is organised in the Nishagandhi open-air theatre in the Kanakakunnu Palace compound. This dance festival is organised every year on February 21st to 27th. The Tourism Development Corporation of the state organised the function and entry is free of cost. In the Nishagandhi dance festival, famous dancers from all over India perform Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, modern ballet and other folk forms. Several artists and experts visit here to attend the festival. It gives a fascinating glimpse of India"s rich dance heritage.
Pattadakkal Dance Festival
The Pattadakkal Dance Festival is organised every year to celebrate the temples of Pattadakkal. The Government of Karnataka organises the festival. Many well known dancers from all over the country come to perform in this festival. This Nrityotsava is accompanied by a craft mela.