Posted on 16 April 2025:
Maalyada – Andal’s Sacred Garland: A Mesmerizing Evening of Dance and Devotion
Prepare to be enchanted by an evening that fuses the divine, the poetic, and the artistic. On Saturday, 26th April 2025, at 6:30 PM, Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi will host Maalyada – Andal’s Sacred Garland, a spellbinding performance brought to life by HCL Concerts. This event, based on the celebrated book by Jeysundhar D, promises to transport the audience into the heart of bhakti poetry and classical artistry. This extraordinary performance is choreographed by none other than the acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer, Rama Vaidyanathan. Through her unparalleled mastery of movement, she offers a vibrant visual interpretation of the revered Tamil saint-poet Andal’s works. Accompanying the evocative choreography is music composed by the renowned Sudha Raghuraman, seamlessly blending melody and rhythm to echo Andal’s timeless devotion to Krishna.Andal, the 8th-century saint-poet, is celebrated for her heartfelt expressions of divine love, encapsulated in the revered Vaishnava literary tradition. Her poetry, deeply rooted in devotion and longing, has an eternal charm that transcends time, language and culture. Maalyada – Andal’s Sacred Garland captures the essence of her passion and brings it to life in a way that promises to touch the soul of all. A Spellbinding Finale to an Enchanting Evening The magic of Maalyada – Andal’s Sacred Garland lies not only in its profound storytelling but also in the collective brilliance of its creators. Rama Vaidyanathan, together with her gifted disciples—Sayani Chakraborty, Reshika Sivakumar, Vaishnavi Dhore and Shubhamani Chandrashekar—will embody Andal’s poetic vision with grace and authenticity, leaving the audience spellbound. Each movement will breathe life into the saint-poet’s timeless words, radiating the spiritual core of the performance. Adding an ethereal dimension to this production is the live music, composed by the extraordinary Sudha Raghuraman. Performed by an ensemble of talented musicians, including Raghuraman Govindarajan, Sumod Sreedharan, Himanshu Srivastava, and Sannidhi Vaidyanathan, the music will weave seamlessly with the dance, creating a multisensory journey into devotion. The stunning lighting design by Gaurav Sharma will illuminate the stage, transforming it into a canvas of emotion and divinity. The evening will begin with an insightful talk by Jeysundhar D, the author of the book that inspired this production His words will provide a deeper understanding of Andal’s poetry, enriching the experience for all. The graceful transition from words to performance will form a perfect bridge between the realms of literature and art, offering an unforgettable celebration of Andal’s legacy. |
Experience the rare confluence of literature, dance and music—a true homage to the divine and poetic essence of Andal. Let this evening inspire you and stay with you as a cherished memory.
